18/07/2018

When the first Caretta caretta hatchlings of Kyparissiakos Gulf couldnʼt find their way to sea

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!

otan-ta-prwta-xelwnakia-kareta-tou-kyparissiakou-kolpou-den-brhkan-th-thalassa-Picture31.jpg

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)

RECENT NEWS

  1. OUR NEWS
    30/09/2024

    Reunite with Your Passion: Become an ARCHELON Ambassador!

    Are you passionate about sea turtle conservation and want to make a positive impact on their survival? Becoming an ARCHELON ambassador is a fantastic way to contribute to this important cause.

    Read more
  2. OUR NEWS
    27/09/2024

    Transforming Rethymno: Sustainable tourism opportunities with the sea turtle as ambassador

    With sea turtles as its ambassadors, Rethymno has the opportunity to become a global leader in sustainable tourism. By offering responsible ecotourism experiences, the tourism industry can create a legion of passionate advocates for ocean conservation.

    Read more
  3. OUR NEWS
    18/09/2024

    Counting the Loggerhead nests in Zakynthos - the work of an army of ants

    For the past 41+ years, ARCHELON has been counting annually nests laid by loggerhead turtles on the island of Zakynthos, one of most important nesting areas in the Mediterranean.

    Read more
  4. OUR NEWS
    17/09/2024

    Successful wrap up of Amvrakikos project for 2024 marking two decades of dedicated work

    ARCHELON is a beacon of hope for sea turtles in Greece's Amvrakikos Gulf. From rescuing injured turtles to monitoring their population characteristics and their migration patterns, ARCHELON's work has been contributing to the survival of these protected animals for the last 20 years.

    Read more
  5. OUR NEWS
    09/09/2024

    Educational Programs 2024-2025: Inspire the Next Generation of Conservationists with ARCHELON!

    Last year, 15,000 students arrived at the Rescue Centre and were fascinated by the wonders of sea turtle conservation.

    Read more
  6. OUR NEWS
    02/09/2024

    LIFE MareNatura Marine Conservation School: ARCHELON and NECCA train staff to protect sea turtles

    This pioneer Training Seminar titled "Management and protection of the Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas species" was designed with the aim of transferring special and necessary knowledge for the protection of the sea turtles from the competent bodies.

    Read more
  7. OUR NEWS
    30/08/2024

    Local Resort leads the way in protecting Zakynthos' sea turtles

    In the summer of 2023, Domes Aulus Zante, Autograph Collection Resort stepped forward to support ARCHELON's mission adopting 70 turtle nests!

    Read more
  8. OUR NEWS
    27/08/2024

    ARCHELON Launches Comprehensive Study to Protect Sea Turtle Nesting Sites

    Read more
  9. OUR NEWS
    05/08/2024

    A Major Leap for Sea Turtle Conservation: Tracking Loggerheads Across the Mediterranean

    Last month our team successfully completed the attachment of satellite transmitters to 20 individuals found near the beaches of west and south Peloponnese as well as those of Crete.

    Read more
  10. OUR NEWS
    31/07/2024

    Urgent Call for Volunteers: Are you looking for a meaningful adventure? Join in to save sea turtle hatchlings!

    We’re urgently seeking volunteers to help protect sea turtles in Greece during August and September. Come and help the hatchlings reach the sea! ARCHELON will offer discounts to the first 50 volunteers who sign up now for the projects.

    Read more
  11. OUR NEWS
    29/07/2024

    Help Hatchlings Reach the Sea: Keep Nesting Beaches Dark for Sea Turtles!

    Vacationing on a beautiful Greek beach with a sea view? You can be a hero for baby sea turtles!

    Read more
  12. OUR NEWS
    15/07/2024

    Ecotourism in Peloponnese and Crete: Explore a Loggerhead sea turtle nesting beach

    ARCHELON offers a unique ecological experience for the lucky and aware travelers who will find themselves this summer on important Loggerhead sea turtle nesting beaches that the Association protects.

    Read more
  13. OUR NEWS
    26/06/2024

    Sea Turtles Surprise us: if you see tracks on the beach, help ARCHELON's research!

    Not all beaches on Greece's extensive coastline are suitable for sea turtle nesting, but sometimes these marine reptiles surprise us! This summer, ARCHELON is asking for your help to investigate a phenomenon called "sporadic nesting".

    Read more
  14. OUR NEWS
    17/06/2024

    ATTENTION! Sea turtles are not pets: Do not touch them or feed them!

    In areas where a sea turtle associates human presence with food, it’s behavior changes. The turtle treats humans as well as other turtles as competitors in its feeding grounds and tries to drive them away with bites.

    Read more
  15. OUR NEWS
    16/06/2024

    30 Years of Hope: The Sea Turtle Rescue Centre of ARCHELON Celebrates World Sea Turtle Day

    Every year on June 16th, we celebrate World Sea Turtle Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about these magnificent creatures and the threats they face. This year is particularly important for ARCHELON, as the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre marks 30 years of operation.

    Read more
1 out of 0
Subscribe to our newsletter!
Learn about our latest actions and find out about our programs and how you can help sea turtles!