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 NEWS18/12/2024
An injured Loggerhead sea turtle returns to the ARCHELON Rescue Centre with plastics in its digestive system.
Greece has made progress in cutting down on plastic bag use, but we all need to do more. Sea pollution from plastic is still a major threat, harming both people and marine life.
- OUR NEWS06/12/2024
ARCHELON is on the Frontline of Sea Turtle Rescue in the Mediterranean.
For the first time, we have conducted CT scans for accurate diagnoses and started special blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor the health of sea turtles under our care.
- OUR NEWS03/12/2024
Summer 2025: Lead the Way in Sea Turtle Conservation and become a Field Leader with ARCHELON!
A limited number of experienced and capable volunteers are selected each year for the positions of Field Leaders on the ARCHELON projects. Applications and short CVs for 2025 are now accepted!
- OUR NEWS25/11/2024
Make this gift-giving season more magical: Adopt a Sea Turtle for your loved ones!
Whether it's for the wildlife lover in your life, or someone who cares about the planet, an adoption from ARCHELON is a present that keeps on giving.
- OUR NEWS18/11/2024
A Nest of Hope: Keanu's Journey with ARCHELON
Keanu Groeneveld, a Wildlife Management student from the Netherlands, recently completed an internship with ARCHELON at the Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Rethymno, Crete. His experience was more than ever expected; it was a transformative journey that ignited his passion for wildlife conservation.
- OUR NEWS12/11/2024
Turtle protection through satellite trackers: TUI Care Foundation and conservation organisation ARCHELON release sea turtle in Greece
Triton was released back into the Mediterranean Sea with a satellite transmitter after several months of rehabilitation at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre. As part of the TUI Turtle Aid programme, the initiative aims to contribute valuable insights into sea turtle behaviour.
- OUR NEWS11/11/2024
A very exciting nesting record confirms the recovery of the Loggerhead population breeding in Kyparissia Bay, Greece!
This year, ARCHELON has recorded a new nesting record: 6,700 Loggerhead nests in the core nesting area of Kyparissia Bay.
- OUR NEWS28/10/2024
A wildlife symbol turned into a macabre tourist attraction
Αn embalmed Loggerhead sea turtle was found on public display in front of one of the Kastos island’s taverns.
- OUR NEWS23/10/2024
Growing Beyond Boundaries: A Volunteer's Transformation
“Through volunteering in Chania, I was able to go beyond my limits and discover a new world,” says Hyerim Ryu, explaining her motivation and sharing her experience of 5 weeks volunteering with ARCHELON.
- OUR NEWS18/10/2024
Is there any progress on establishing an all-embracing Marine Park in the Ionian Sea?
We are awaiting the results of the study with great interest, as the establishment of the new Marine Park in the Ionian Sea will be a landmark for the protection of sea turtles in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS16/10/2024
Greece's Marine Protected Areas remain unprotected
A new report, by nine environmental organizations, identifies serious deficiencies in the protection of the most important Greek marine habitats, stressing the urgent need for immediate action
- OUR NEWS14/10/2024
2025 Projects: Is it your turn to save the sea turtles?
ARCHELON is thrilled to announce the volunteering projects for 2025. If you're passionate about nature conservation and eager to make a positive impact, we invite you to join our dedicated team of volunteers.
- OUR NEWS30/09/2024
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.
- OUR NEWS27/09/2024
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.
- OUR NEWS18/09/2024
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.