Workshop in Rethymno for sea turtles
In view of the forthcoming nesting in just one month, the ARCHELON Association travelled to Crete with the aim of recalling compliance with management measures for the conservation of the sea turtle and its breeding habitats, as well as informing the local authorities of Crete about the transnational European program LIFE EUROTURTLES.
The first meeting for the summer season 2017 took place on Tuesday, 4th April in Rethymno, Crete's largest nesting site, at the initiative of the Regional Unit of Rethymno and ARCHELON. Corresponding meetings will take place in May in Chania (in collaboration with the Regional Unit of Chania on April 7, 2017) and in Moires, Heraklion. The purpose of this workshop was to provide information to entrepreneurs active in Rethymno Bay nesting beach, local authorities and services and to engage in constructive thinking and exchange of views on how to achieve sustainable management of the nesting beach through the Protection of the sea turtle.
ARCHELON representatives informed the attendees about all the necessary protection measures that need to be applied, something that constituted the basis for a meaningful dialogue on the problems facing Rethymnon Bay, which, unfortunately, as everyone has agreed, are many, since it is a degraded coastal ecosystem that has received a lot of human intervention over the last decades.
In addition to the concerns that prevailed on the current situation, it was of particular interest that all participants were informed of the actions that the Association will undertake within the LIFE EUROTURTLES program, which started in September 2016 and will be completed in 2021. The transnational character of the project, implemented with the participation of Croatia, Slovenia, Cyprus, Italy, Malta and of course our country, is quite impressive.
On behalf of the ARCHELON Association, we would like to thank for their presence, Mrs Lioni Maria, Deputy Regional Chief of Rethymnon Regional Unit, Mr. Anomerianakis Epaminondas who represented the Port Authority, Mr Alefantinos Minos, Deputy Mayor of Rethymno and the executives of businesses who attended the meeting. Finally, we would like to thank the Department of Environment and Hydroeconomy of Rethimnon Regional Unit for the excellent organizing of the meeting.
(translation: Aggeliki Antonopoulou)
ARCHELON an active participant in Street Relays 2017
Joanne, whatʼs new at the Rescue Centre (March 2017)?
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS30/04/2026
Sea Turtle Beach Walk in Crete: A unique eco-tourism experience
The Sea Turtle Beach Walk is an organized activity that allows participants to get to know the natural environment of the sea turtle nesting site up close. Book your place now!
- OUR NEWS18/04/2026
How a sea turtle illuminated the unknown paths of the Aegean
Helen Jane was not just another dead sea turtle found on the Greek coastline. For ARCHELON researchers, she was a living beacon of information
- OUR NEWS17/04/2026
Is it Really 1 in 1,000? New Science Challenges the Iconic Sea Turtle Statistic
For decades, one quote has defined the struggle of sea turtle conservation: 1 in 1,000. This statistical information suggests that for every thousand hatchlings that enter the sea, only one will survive the long journey to adulthood.
- OUR NEWS10/04/2026
ARCHELON takes part in Chania's “Move It Now” initiative
Through educational activities, games and discussions, students had the opportunity to understand that every "green" choice in our daily lives is a direct help to the environment.
- OUR NEWS09/04/2026
Coming together for sustainable tourism in Chania
Looking towards the upcoming nesting season, the tourism community of Chania gathered at the city’s Town Hall.
- OUR NEWS08/04/2026
The Return of the “Giant”: Everest Swims Again in Greek Seas After Two Years of Rehabilitation
The story of 'Everest' began in May 2024 in Preveza, when the sea turtle was found with a severe, intentional head injury. Upon arrival at the Rescue Centre, its condition was critical: malnourished, weighing just 81 kg, and suffering from serious buoyancy problems that made survival in the sea impossible.
- OUR NEWS07/04/2026
Through the dust: Rethymno looks for a sustainable future with the sea turtles
Neither the African dust nor the sandstorm of last Wednesday stood in the way of ARCHELON's event at the Rethymno City Hall!
- OUR NEWS02/04/2026
Volunteering Has Never Been More Attractive: Special offers for 2026
ARCHELON invites you to join its field projects and actively protect sea turtles and their habitats.
- OUR NEWS09/03/2026
The Annual General Assembly of the Association
ARCHELON's Members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, February 28 at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre.
- OUR NEWS03/03/2026
Join us for the Online Presentation of 2025 Results!
On Monday, March 23rd, we have the chance to meet again online and share what we accomplished together in the past year.
- OUR NEWS03/03/2026
A Digital Adventure for Your Class with ARCHELON
Through a live connection with the Centre, students learn about the turtles’ rescue stories and discover how everyday human activities can negatively impact marine ecosystems.
- OUR NEWS24/02/2026
32 Years Returning to Nest: A Record Reproductive Lifespan for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle in Kyparissia Bay
When we analyzed the turtles’ codes, we realized that this was a turtle that had been tagged for the first time in the area 32 years ago! Specifically, turtle P4849 was tagged on July 7, 1993 and today is the turtle with the longest documented reproductive lifespan in Kyparissia Bay!
- OUR NEWS18/02/2026
"The Mediterranean We Protect" ARCHELON Presented the 2025 Results and the New LIFE MareNatura Exhibition
The presentation of our Accounts for 2025 was held with great success on Saturday, February 14th in Glyfada, honoring the people who are on the front lines for the protection of the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS11/02/2026
ARCHELON in the Lakonikos Bay: Nature, Research, Volunteering
The year 2025 was a milestone: a total of 1,253 nests were recorded and protected, while 7 female turtles were equipped with satellite transmitters, sending valuable data about their journeys across the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS23/01/2026
A turtle we treated 10 years ago was found in Spain!
“Castello” is a male Loggerhead turtle that was treated at our Rescue Centre in 2015. In 2025 he was found again at a Rescue Centre in Spain!