The very first caretta – caretta nest that has been hatched this year in the south Kyparissiakos Gulf is located in Agiannakis area. Traces of the very first hatchlings, which left their nests, were found during the sunrise of Saturday, July 14th, by the volunteers of ARCHELON. However, their enthusiasm didn’t last long, they were caught by surprise and disheartening feelings, because their traces didn’t lead to the sea line, but followed the opposite direction, due to the topical superficial lights!

The very moment the first hatchlings start their long and difficult journey of their adulthood is significant for our project course every year. This is the crucial juncture of the beginning of the second phase of ARCHELON and all of the collaboration sectors. The hatchlings follow the moon’s and stars’ reflections to the sea, in order for them to find their way to the sea. Superficial lights behind the beach disorientate the hatchlings and mainly leads to their death due to exhaustion. Our purpose is during the nighttime to switch the lights off of the beaches where Caretta caretta turtles lay their eggs.

ARCHELON and the Management Agency of Kotychi-Strofylia Wetlands and Kyparissiakos Gulf update the bathers in that beach that, should they find Caretta – caretta hatchlings during daytime, they should never wet them nor bring them into the sea. It’s crucial for them to move by themselves in this very maiden voyage from their nests to the sea. What we can only do for them is take sun precautions by creating shadows for them and level the sand in their way until they get in the water.

Info:

Management Agency of Kotychi-Strofylia Wetlands and Kyparissiakos Gulf: Georgia Karamperos, MA Coordinator, tel.: 26930 31651

ARCHELON, Panagiota Theodorou, Conservation Officer, tel.: 6932 285817

(translation: Maria-Argyro Dermitzakis)