World Environment Day: Keeping Sea Turtle Nesting Beaches Safe from Plastics and Bulldozers
On June 5th, we celebrate World Environment Day (a day established by the United Nations in 1972, and this year's theme is #BeatPlasticPollution), and ARCHELON invites you to take action on the nesting beaches of sea turtles. A global study, in which ARCHELON participated, reveals alarming levels of microplastic pollution, while the use of heavy machinery in these sensitive areas poses an immediate threat to turtle nests and hatchlings.
Microplastics: A global issue that also affects sea turtles
A recent study showed that out of 209 sea turtle nesting areas surveyed globally, nearly 45% exhibited significant microplastic pollution. The Mediterranean stands out as the most affected region, with a shocking 80% of nesting beaches being polluted. Even remote, seemingly untouched beaches have not been spared, highlighting the worldwide scale of the problem.
“Bulldozers” on nesting beaches: A threat to reproduction
Beyond plastic pollution, a new concern is emerging: the use of heavy cleaning vehicles on nesting beaches. A recent incident in Kyparissia Bay, where a bulldozer was observed operating on the beach at Kalo Nero, right next to documented nests, emphasises the urgent need for alternative cleaning methods. Since Kyparissia Bay is a designated Nature Protection Area, ARCHELON recommends using gentle, non-invasive cleaning practices that won't jeopardise the successful hatching of sea turtle hatchlings.
How can we protect the nesting beaches?
ARCHELON reminds us of the essential protection measures that must be followed on all sea turtle nesting beaches:
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Manual cleaning only: From May to October, no machinery should be used.
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Vehicle ban: No driving or parking on the beach.
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Proper placement of beach furniture: Perpendicular to the sea, more than 3m apart, and removed at sunset.
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Protect the sand: No wooden walkways between the sunbeds.
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Wash beach furniture away from the beach.
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Avoid lights, noise, and human presence at night.
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Zero contact with turtles: Observe from a distance.
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Preserve turtle tracks: Do not disturb them until they are recorded by ARCHELON’s research team.
Join us for a beach clean-up!
To celebrate World Environment Day, ARCHELON invites you to participate in a manual beach clean-up at Kalo Nero, Messinia, on Friday, June 6th at 18:30, in front of the Information Station of ARCHELON. Join forces with us to ensure a future free of plastic and full of respect for sea turtles.
ARCHELON’s researchers and volunteers are present daily in the main nesting areas (Laganas Bay, Kyparissia Bay, Lakonikos Bay, Koroni, Rethymno, Chania and Messara Bay). You can find them at seasonal Information Stations operating each summer in the town of Zakynthos, the Venetian Harbors of Chania and Rethymno, Matala, Kalo Nero, and Koroni.
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