WORLD SEA TURTLE DAY
Today's World Sea Turtle Day finds all 40 tanks of ARCHELON in Glyfada occupied by injured and sick turtles earlier than has been observed in previous years. "We hope that no more injured turtles will arrive in the next few days. That is, at least until we release the first two, which have recovered, back to the sea," said Eirini Kasimati, the Rescue and Rehabilitation Officer.
What brings the turtles to the Rescue Center? Once again it is confirmed that the main reasons for their introduction correspond to the greatest threats facing the 7 species of sea turtles that live on the planet. The accidental capture of sea turtles in fishing gear along with ocean pollution and plastic result in the death of large numbers of turtles in all seas of the world, including the Mediterranean.
See all species of sea turtles and the main threats they are facing in the tribute «from World Ocean Day to World Sea Turtle Day» here.
Of the 40 turtles currently being treated at the Rescue Center, 19 have injuries to their flippers from entanglement in nets or have swallowed hooks and plastics. Moreover, 18 out of 40 bear head, eyes or shell injuries from deliberate hits, according to the data of Eirini.
See in detail the percentages in each category in the graph2.
However, the increased number of admissions up to June this year may not reflect an increase of human impacts on the marine environment. “We think it shows mainly a spontaneous response by more citizens, who hurried to collect the animals from the beach or the sea and arranged their transportation to the Rescue Center” said Dimitris Fytilis, the Rescue Center Officer. More than 1000 people contacted ARCHELON in 2020 in order to help injured turtles and nests or hatchlings, as well as to report dead turtles stranded on the shore. (You can see the numbers of admitted turtles in the last 5 years here).
Perhaps the hurdles of the pandemic have brought people closer to the suffering of wildlife, the environmental challenges and climate change. This thought strikes a note of optimism for the World Sea Turtle Day.
"Humans and turtles, we can all live together" is our motto. The Sea Turtle Rescue Center of ARCHELON has been operating since 1994. Through the story of each turtle and our scientific research, we demonstrate to thousands of students and other visitors the problems that humans create at sea and on the coasts and ways to deal with them.
This year the individual donations made so far and the personal support of the volunteers are not enough to keep the Centre running. We urgently need the support of the State and your help in order to continue the rescue and treatment of sea turtles and the educational activities for the environment.
You can make a donation or “adoption” of a sea turtle on the website of ARCHELON www.archelon.gr.
For more information contact:
Eirini Kasimati, Rescue & Rehabilitation Officer, Tel: 0030 6941 511 511, e-mail: rescue@archelon.gr.
Dimitris Fytilis, Rescue Centre Officer, Tel. 0030 210 8982 600, 0030 6944 929 622, e-mail: rc.officer@archelon.gr.
The loggerhead sea turtles are back to the beaches of Crete to nest
8th June – 16th June: from World Oceans Day to World Sea Turtle Day
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS22/05/2025
Sea turtle nesting has begun in Greece: learn what to look out for!
The first nests for 2025 have already been located and protected at Laganas beach in Zakynthos, Elaia beach in Kyparissia Bay and Pachia Ammos beach in Messara Bay in Crete!
- OUR NEWS16/05/2025
Advancing sea turtle photo-ID research with artificial intelligence
Sea turtle facial scales remain stable throughout a turtle’s life allowing researchers to recognise individuals from photos, often taken over decades!
- OUR NEWS15/05/2025
Kyparissia Bay: Balancing Nature and Tourism
Αs the popularity of the protected area increases and pressures from tourism and climate change intensify, the question that arises is: How many people can this beach “bear” without degrading the environment?
- OUR NEWS07/05/2025
Discover the secret nature of Crete: Sea Turtle Beach Walk with ARCHELON
Live a unique ecotourism experience in Crete by participating in ARCHELON Sea Turtle Beach Walks on the nesting beaches of the Loggerhead, starting on May 15th in Chania and Rethymno. Now open for reservations on our website!
- OUR NEWS24/04/2025
Are You Over 50? The Sea Turtles Need You!
If you’re 50 or older and ready to dive into a unique conservation experience, we warmly invite you to join us. Help protect sea turtles, meet like-minded people, and discover the natural beauty of Greece with ARCHELON by your side.
- OUR NEWS22/04/2025
Turning the Tide: Sea Turtle Populations Show Signs of Recovery Worldwide
The first, after a decade, global study brings encouraging news for sea turtle conservation: more than half of their populations across the globe show signs of recovery. Listed among the authors is the Research Coordinator of ARCHELON, Aliki Panagopoulou PhD, who is mobilizing the long term field work of our Society on the nesting beaches of Greece.
- OUR NEWS17/04/2025
Special 2-week volunteering opportunity on the nesting beaches – we need you this May and June!
- OUR NEWS14/04/2025
Groundbreaking Study on Microplastic Pollution of Marine Turtle Nesting Beaches
ARCHELON took part in a recent global study that has uncovered alarming levels of microplastic contamination on marine turtle nesting beaches around the world.
- OUR NEWS09/04/2025
Become a Sea Turtle Guardian in Lakonikos Bay
Gracie and Claire, two dedicated individuals who made a significant impact on the sea turtle project of Lakonikos Bay in 2024, talked about their experience.
- OUR NEWS08/04/2025
Meeting of organizations, authorities and businessmen in Rethymno: Crete is preparing for the arrival of the turtles!
On Monday, April 7, we met for another year in the hospitable city of Rethymno to participate in the meeting organized by the Regional Unit of Rethymno on the topic of management measures for the protection of the loggerhead sea turtle!
- OUR NEWS31/03/2025
150 satellite tags for the protection of sea turtles
Since 2002, ARCHELON and its partners have placed 150 satellite and GSM tags on sea turtles monitoring their vast journeys across the Mediterranean!
- OUR NEWS24/03/2025
Become a Guardian of the Night: Volunteer with ARCHELON
On some select beaches, volunteer duties also include night patrols. During the hours when the presence of people on the nesting beaches is prohibited so as not to disturb the turtles, our trained volunteers start their shift, equipped with measuring instruments, research notebooks and red flashlights.
- OUR NEWS14/03/2025
Enriching the lives of rescued sea turtles
A recent study at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre highlights the importance of environmental enrichment in improving the physical and psychological well-being of rescued sea turtles, aiding their rehabilitation and preparing them for successful release back into the wild.
- OUR NEWS24/02/2025
ARCHELON's Annual General Assembly
According to article 8 of the Statutes of ARCHELON Association, its’ members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, 22 February 2025.
- OUR NEWS20/02/2025
From the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre in Egypt!
A sea turtle, previously rehabilitated at the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre, has once again made headlines, this time internationally. The tagged turtle was discovered weak and injured on an Egyptian beach after the recent rough seas. This incident, as reported by the Egyptian news agency, underscores the ongoing need to protect the fragile Mediterranean marine environment.