GREECE

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GREECE
Dimitris MARGARITOULIS1 and Aliki PANAGOPOULOU2
ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, Solomou 57, GR-10432 Athens,
E-mail: 1 margaritoulis@archelon.gr; 2 aliki@archelon.gr
1. General remarks
All three species of sea turtles known to
frequent the Mediterranean Sea are found in
Greece. The loggerhead turtle (Caretta
caretta) is the most abundant while several
of its main nesting aggregations are located
in Greece. Less common is the green turtle
(Chelonia mydas) whose regional
population is estimated to have been
decimated due to past exploitation in the
eastern Mediterranean with no known
nesting sites in Greece. Finally the
leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
can only be considered a visitor from the
Atlantic, since it occurs in low numbers in
Greece without nesting in the
Mediterranean.
First documentation of nesting of
Caretta caretta in Greece has been
recorded in 1977 on Zakynthos Island
(Margaritoulis, 1982); systematic tagging
started at Zakynthos in 1982 and
standardized beach monitoring, continued
unfailingly until today (2008), was initiated
at Zakynthos and Kyparissia Bay in 1984.
2. Caretta caretta
2.1. Distribution and abundance
2.1.1. Nesting sites
After the discovery of the most
important nesting area (Laganas Bay in
Zakynthos) in 1977 (Fig. 1), beach surveys
along the coasts of Peloponnesus revealed
the nesting areas of Kyparissia Bay (Fig. 2),
Lakonikos Bay, Romanos, Koroni (Fig. 3)
and Kotychi. The foundation of the Sea
Turtle Protection Society of Greece (now
ARCHELON) in 1983 was followed by the
onset of long-term standardized monitoring
projects mainly at Zakynthos, Kyparissia
Bay and Lakonikos Bay.
Further, a systematic long-range survey,
conducted by ARCHELON during 1989-
1992 along parts of the Greek coastline, not
surveyed before, provided the opportunity
to discover new nesting areas and
determine the extent of loggerhead nesting
in Greece. Through this survey, two
important nesting sites were revealed on the
island of Crete (Rethymno and Bay of
Chania) as well as many other sites with
lower nesting concentrations (Margaritoulis
et al., 1995; unpublished data).
The overall results of the above surveys
showed that regular nesting of loggerhead
turtles in Greece is distributed at the Ionian
Islands, western mainland Greece, western
and southern Peloponnesus, southeastern
Peloponnesus, Island of Crete as well as on
the islands of Kos and Rhodes in the
Dodecanese archipelago. Although in the
Ionian Sea nesting occurs almost up to the
northern boundaries of Greece, no regular
nesting has been found in the central or the
northern Aegean Sea. The latter has been
also confirmed by another survey
conducted in 1991 along the coasts of
northern Aegean (Kasparek, 1994).
Following long-term data the nesting
areas in Greece have been ranked as
“Major”, “Moderate” and “Diffused” areas
(Margaritoulis, 2000). “Major” nesting
areas are those hosting an average of more
than 100 nests/season and a nesting density
over 6 nests/km/season. Five areas in
Greece fulfill the requirements for “major”
areas: Laganas Bay (Zakynthos Island),
Kyparissia Bay (western Peloponnesus),
Rethymno (Crete Island), Lakonikos Bay
(southern Peloponnesus) and the Bay of
Chania (Crete Island) (Margaritoulis,
2000). The above locations represent 71.5%
of the total nesting activity in Greece and
are monitored each season by ARCHELON
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Sea turtles in the Mediterranean: distribution, threats and conservation priorities
through a systematic and standardized long-
term monitoring project (Table 1).
“Moderate” nesting areas have an
average of between 20 and 100 nests per
season. These areas represent 13.5% of the
total activity, while three of these (Bay of
Messara, Koroni, Kefalonia Island) are also
regularly monitored (Table 2). Finally,
taking into account the “diffuse” nesting
(estimated at 15% on total nesting) that
takes place along the 16,000 km of Greek
coastline, the overall number of loggerhead
nests in Greece ranges from 5,319 to 2,132
with an average of 3,472 nests/season
(Table 3).
The importance of Zakynthos,
concentrating about 36% of the total
nesting activity in Greece in only 5.5 km of
beach, with an average nesting density of
226 nests/km/season), should be
emphasized. On the average 54% of the
total number of Zakynthos nests are laid on
the 650-m long Sekania beach (Fig. 4),
which is among the most densely nested
loggerhead beaches in the world, with an
average nesting density of 1,033
nests/km/season (and at times exceeding
1,500 nests/km/season). Further, one of
Zakynthos beaches, the 370-m long
Marathonissi beach, which hosts only 9.4%
of the total number of nests at Zakynthos,
produces almost exclusively male
hatchlings because of lower sand
temperatures (Margaritoulis, 2005; Zbinden
et al., 2007a). This finding emphasizes the
importance not only of beaches with high
nesting levels (like Sekania) but also of
beaches with other characteristics, very
important to the nesting population but
more difficult to be assessed.
2.1.2. Marine areas
Loggerhead turtles are found practically
everywhere in the Greek seas.
Concentration areas leading to possible
marine habitats can be assessed either by
frequency of strandings, tag recoveries
and/or incidental catch in fisheries.
Collection and analysis of the above
type of data yielded concentration of turtles
at the following marine areas: Ionian Sea
(north of Zakynthos), Zakynthos Island and
western Peloponnesus (including
Kyparissia Bay), Amvrakikos Bay,
Messiniakos Bay, Argolikos Bay,
Lakonikos Bay, Saronikos Bay, Island of
Crete, southeastern Aegean Sea (including
Kos and Rhodes), northern Aegean Sea
(including Thracian Sea). The above marine
areas are frequented by turtles throughout
the year and therefore may well be foraging
and/or wintering areas (Margaritoulis et al.,
1995; Margaritoulis and Teneketzis, 2003;
Panagopoulos et al., 2003; Rees and
Margaritoulis, 2006).
Laganas Bay at Zakynthos is an
important marine area for turtles as it
comprises the main inter-nesting area of the
female population nesting at Zakynthos
(Zbinden et al., 2007b) but is also a
courtship and mating area, with several
types of solitary and social behaviours of
both male and female turtles (Schofield et
al., 2006). Also, the Gulf of Argostoli in
Kefalonia Island can be considered a
summer foraging area of large sized
loggerheads (White, 2006).
In western mainland Greece, in-water
field surveys have confirmed Amvrakikos
Bay to be an important foraging ground for
loggerhead turtles. Although it has not been
yet possible to estimate the size and
structure of the population frequenting the
Bay, it seems that this comprises mainly of
sub-adult to adult sized turtles, mostly
males. Additionally, the capture of
previously tagged turtles suggests that
Amvrakikos Bay is a foraging habitat
linking at least three major nesting areas in
Greece (Zakynthos, Kyparissia Bay and
Rethymno) (Rees and Margaritoulis, 2006).
Further, a loggerhead turtle (SCL: 70 cm)
captured in Amvrakikos Bay on 13 May
and equipped with a satellite transmitter
started a directed move on 29 June towards
eastern Mediterranean, reaching the Syrian
coast on 14 August; then moved to the
Mediterranean coast of Turkey where it
remained until 4 July the following year
(end of transmissions). It may be possible
that this turtle belonged to a nesting colony
outside Greece and used Amvrakikos Bay
as a foraging area (Rees and Margaritoulis,
in press).
Post nesting movements of loggerheads,
tagged while nesting in Greece, show a
wide dispersion in the eastern and central
Mediterranean basin, with marked clusters
of tag recoveries at the Gulf of Gabès and
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Greece
the Adriatic Sea (Fig. 5). These areas are
considered primary foraging and/or
wintering areas for adult female
loggerheads nesting in Greece. These
foraging areas of loggerhead turtles nesting
in Greece have been confirmed also by
satellite tracking (Zbinden et al., in press).
Table 1. The “major” nesting areas in Greece and their nesting potential (from Margaritoulis et
al. (2003a) with inclusion of unpublished data).
Nesting Area Maximum
number of
nests/season
Minimum
number of
nests/season
Average
number of
nests/season
Number of
monitoring seasons
(years)
Zakynthos (Laganas Bay) 2,018 833 1,244 24 (1984-2007)
Kyparissia Bay 927 286 621 24 (1984-2007)
Rethymno 516 166 324 18 (1990-2007)
Lakonikos Bay 288 107 197 16 (1992-2007)
Bay of Chania* 192 45 94 16 (1992-2007)
TOTAL 3,941 1,437 2,480
*Bay of Chania was within the 100 nests/season limit until 2005. However, it is still included in the
“major” category with the hope that the nesting level will increase in future seasons.
Table 2. The “moderate” nesting areas in Greece and their nesting potential (from Margaritoulis
et al. (2003a) with inclusion of unpublished data).
Nesting Area Maximum
number of
nests/season
Minimum
number of
nests/season
Average
number of
nests/season
Number of
monitoring seasons
(years)
Bay of Messara 80 15 51 15 (1993-2007)
Beaches adjacent to
Kyparissia town (not
included in data of
Kyparissia Bay)
68 60 64 2 (1989, 1998)
Ipirus Coast * 40 40 40 1 (1990)
Kefalonia Isl. (Mounda
beach) 45 17 29 6 (1993-98)
Kerkyra Isl. (Corfu) * 20 20 20 1 (1990)
Koroni 66 35 50 13 (1995-2007)
Kos Isl. * 60 60 60 1 (1991)
Kotychi 80 32 50
3 (1986, 1989,
1995)
Lefkas Isl.* 50 50 50 1 (1990)
Rhodes Isl. 21 9 15 2 (1988-89)
Romanos 30 17 22 3 (1989, 1998-99)
Southeastern Peloponnesus
(incl. Kythira Isl.) * 20 20 20 1 (1990)
TOTAL 580 375 471
*Number of nests was estimated after 3 one-off surveys within the nesting season.
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Sea turtles in the Mediterranean: distribution, threats and conservation priorities
Table 3. Estimation of total nesting activity in Greece.
Category of nesting Maximum number
of nests/season Minimum number
of nests/season Average number of
nests/season
In “major” areas (>100
nests/season) 3,941 1,437 2,480
In areas with “moderate”
nesting (20<x<100
nests/season) 580 375 471
“Diffuse” nesting (15%
of total) 798 320 521
TOTAL 5,319 2,132 3,472
2.2. Past distribution and numbers
There are several anecdotic stories on
the abundance of sea turtles in Greece. A
fisherman reports that during the Second
World War he used to fish turtles in
southern Evoikos Bay and transport them to
Athens for the Italian troops stationed in
Athens who considered them a delicacy.
Old people at Zakynthos say that many
years ago certain beaches of Zakynthos
were becoming “black” in August from the
large number of hatchlings. On Crete old
people remember that as children they used
to dig up nests and play with the eggs. The
President of Fishermen Association of
Rethymno (Mr Ch. Tsountanis) testified in
2006 that in the last years he observes less
turtles at sea than before. In Kefalonia
Island local people say that there were more
turtles in the past (Sutherland, 1987), and
suggest a rapid drop in nesting frequency
over the last 40 years (Stringell et al.,
1996).
2.3. Threats
Human activities impact sea turtles in a
number of different ways. They can directly
impact the individual at any of its life
stages: nesting female; incubating egg in
nest; emerged hatchling on the beach or at
sea; juvenile and adult at sea.
2.3.1. Terrestrial Habitats
2.3.1.1. Coastal development
A major threat faced by loggerhead
turtles in Greece is loss of nesting habitat
due to tourism development, booming since
the 1970’s. The nesting beaches of Laganas
Bay on Zakynthos and Crete are
particularly susceptible to this threat, with
several other areas becoming increasingly
vulnerable to future development projects.
Coastal development has led to an
expansion of hotels, bars, restaurants and
houses along the beach. In many cases,
these constructions are built on the dune
systems affecting an originally flexible and
adjustable coastal system. Dunes provide
natural sediment reservoirs, which
guarantee the maintenance of sandy
beaches in a much wider coastal zone. If
major parts of dunes are locked up under
hard constructions such as buildings,
parking places or roads, beaches may
disappear through erosion, leading to a
permanent loss of nesting habitat for turtles.
More specifically, terrestrial habitats of
loggerhead turtles in Greece face the
following threats, stemming from coastal
development and tourism:
Zakynthos Island (Ionian Sea). The
nesting habitat extends along six discreet
beaches, totalling 5.5 km in length, within
Laganas Bay (southern part of the island).
A description of the nesting beaches is
found in Margaritoulis (2005).
Human presence affecting all beaches
(with exception of Sekania beach) by
disturbing (illegally) turtles at night, and
trampling along nesting zones. However,
this has been reduced in the last years due
to effective wardening.
Coastal constructions in the form of
walls, buildings, and various makeshift
constructions mainly made in the past, but
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Greece
few also at present, have perturbed the
natural physical characteristics of Daphni,
East Laganas and Kalamaki beaches.
Artificial lighting of Laganas village and
lights from the airport (behind East Laganas
beach) affect the nesting beaches of
Marathonissi, East Laganas and Kalamaki.
Vehicular traffic (motorbikes and cars)
is still observed on the East Laganas and
Kalamaki beaches.
Horse-riding (as a tourist attraction) is
still seen on the dunes behind East Laganas
beach.
Beach furniture (umbrellas, sun beds)
and recreation boats (canoes, sea-bicycles)
left on the beach, sometimes surpassing the
permitted quota, occupy crucial nesting
space at East Laganas, Kalamaki (Fig. 6)
and Gerakas.
Kyparissia Bay (western Peloponnesus).
Nesting occurs along 44 km of continuous
beach with low developmental level.
However, 85% of nesting concentrates at
the southernmost 9.5 km, which is
considered the core nesting area
(Margaritoulis and Rees, 2001). Threats
noted below refer to the core nesting area,
divided to four beach sectors (O, A, B, C).
Human presence, by means of
trampling, affects strongly Kalonero beach
(Sector O), which is the southernmost part
of the core nesting area, and moderately
other beach parts with vehicular access.
Coastal constructions by means of
seasonal makeshift beach bars and opening
of rough roads through the dunes have
become a major concern, as these open up
prospects for development.
Artificial lights (public and private)
affect strongly Kalonero beach and to a
lesser extent beach parts with nearby
houses. Car headlights from the national
road connecting Patras to Kyparissia town
affect Vounaki beach (Sector A), where the
road approaches the beach.
Vehicular traffic along the entire beach
length, mainly with tractors and 4WD cars,
is very common.
Beach furniture (umbrellas and sun
beds) impacts moderately only Kalonero
beach.
A large part of the coastal area at
Agiannakis beach (Sector B) is rumoured to
have been sold to developers in order to
build a tourist installation.
Rethymno (northern coast of Crete
Island). Nesting occurs eastwards of the
town of Rethymno, along several beaches,
totalling about 12 km in length. The entire
area, besides some very small parts, is
almost fully developed.
Intense human presence on the entire
area affects strongly the beach by trampling
and, during the night, by directly disturbing
turtles.
Coastal constructions (walls, buildings,
makeshift beach bars), across the entire
area, have caused severe disturbance to
physical characteristics of the beach and a
long-term beach erosion by flattening and
stabilizing the dunes behind the beach
(especially at sectors Sfakaki and Skaletta).
The beaches are usually cleaned before
the beginning of the nesting season, which
coincides with the opening of the tourist
season. Sometimes, however, beach
cleaning is done, with heavy machinery
vehicles, after the beginning of nesting.
Artificial lighting affects strongly the
entire area. Today very few and very small
parts of the beach can be found with no
severe light pollution.
Beach furniture (umbrellas and sun
beds) affect strongly the entire area by
taking up nesting space.
Lakonikos Bay (southern
Peloponnesus). The nesting habitat extents
along several beaches, totalling 23 km in
length, and its developmental status ranges
from almost deserted (Evrotas beach) to
moderately developed (Mavrovouni beach).
Therefore the threats noted below are
mostly confined to short parts of the entire
area.
Artificial lighting affects relatively a
small part of Selinitsa and Mavrovouni
beaches.
Vehicular traffic affects a small part of
the area.
Beach furniture (umbrellas and sun
beds) affects partly Mavrovouni beach.
Beach cleaning, by mechanized
vehicles, is sometimes done after the
beginning of nesting (at Mavrovouni
beach).
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Sea turtles in the Mediterranean: distribution, threats and conservation priorities
Bay of Chania (northern coast of Crete
Island). Nesting occurs west of the town of
Chania, along several beach sectors,
totalling about 14.5 km in length. The
eastern sectors are almost fully developed
mainly with tourist installations. The
westernmost sectors are rapidly developing,
with several smaller or larger tourist
operations being built along the entire
length of the coast.
Human presence affects the greater part
of the area, mainly by trampling.
A diversity of coastal constructions
(walls, buildings, beach bars, roads) is
found across the entire area.
Beach cleaning is usually effected
before the nesting season; but sometimes is
done (with heavy machinery equipment)
after the beginning of nesting.
Artificial lighting affects strongly the
greater part of the area.
Vehicular traffic impacts moderately the
westernmost beach sectors.
Beach furniture (umbrellas and sun
beds) affect strongly a great part of the
nesting area by taking up nesting space
(Fig. 7).
Bay of Messara (southern coast of Crete
Island). Nesting extends along 8 km of
beach, divided in four sectors with varying
status of development. The southernmost
sector (Komos beach, Sector A) is an
archaeological site protected by the
Archaeological Department. Kalamaki
village (at Sector B) and the northernmost
end of the beach (Kokkinos Pyrgos) are the
most developed, backed by beach roads and
several small scale hotels and tavernas. A
large part of Tymbaki beach (Sector D) is
undeveloped due to the fact that they are
within a limited-access military area.
Human presence affects part of the area
by trampling and occasional beach parties
at night, especially in Komos beach.
Illegal camping observed behind Komos
beach.
Coastal constructions (walls, buildings,
makeshift beach bars, roads) are noted in
parts of the area, especially in Kokkinos
Pyrgos, Tymbaki and Kalamaki.
Artificial lighting affects Kokkinos
Pyrgos, Tymbaki (incl. parts of the military
area) and Kalamaki.
Vehicular traffic occurs along several
parts of the area.
Beach furniture (umbrellas and sun
beds) affect moderately part of the nesting
area in Komos, Kalamaki, and Tymbaki.
Beach cleaning, by mechanized
vehicles, is sometimes done after the
beginning of nesting.
Koroni (SW Peloponnesus). Nesting
occurs mainly along the 2.7 km Zanga-
Memi beach with varying developmental
status, mainly in the form of houses and
occasional tavernas.
Human presence affects parts of the
beach (through trampling).
Artificial lighting affects beach parts,
close to houses and tavernas.
Vehicular traffic is moderately affecting
the entire beach.
Beach furniture (umbrellas and sun
beds) affect part of the nesting area.
Kefalonia Island (Ionian Sea). Nesting
concentrates mainly along the 2.8 km
Mounda beach (divided in two sectors
Kaminia and Potamakia) at the SE part of
the island.
Human presence affects a great part of
the beach (mainly through trampling).
Artificial lighting of nearby hotels and
car headlights affect part of the beach.
Vehicular traffic along the beach is
frequently observed.
Beach furniture (umbrellas and sun
beds) affect part of the nesting area.
2.3.1.2. Beach restructuring
Construction of groins, set at sea
perpendicularly to beach along Chania
nesting area, supposed to reduce “natural”
erosion, have accelerated the rate of beach
erosion (see also 2.3.1.5).
Beach armouring has been noted in front
of some coastal hotels at Rethymno. Also
“sand berg” practice (i.e. making of sand
walls to protect sea side part of properties
during winter then evening out the sand just
before tourist season), has been noted
mainly at Rethymno.
Sand mining has been noted, mainly in
the past, along Kyparissia Bay, Lakonikos
Bay, Bay of Chania and Bay of Messara.
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Greece
2.3.1.3. Non human predation
Zakynthos. Predation of turtle eggs by
plants, mainly by tamarisk trees, has been
recorded at the western end of the East
Laganas beach. Small-scale predation on
eggs and hatchlings occurs on all beaches
(mainly by rats, martens, crows, dogs and
sea gulls). In 1992, about 2% of hatchlings
that emerged at Sekania were taken on their
way to the sea by rats, martens and sea
gulls (Charalambides and Katsoupas,
1994). However, in the last few years, the
number of sea gulls on Sekania beach has
increased, due to a nearby landfill site, and
this is currently under investigation (see
Section 6, Nest Management and Predation
Control).
Kyparissia Bay. Egg and hatchling
predation, mainly by red foxes (Vulpes
vulpes) and dogs, is substantial. During
1987, about 48% of nests were disturbed by
mammal predators (Margaritoulis, 1988),
while in 1984 and 1989 depredation of
nests reached 57% and 62% respectively
(Margaritoulis et al., 1996a); also secondary
predation (after the opening of nests by
primary predators) occurs by martens, rats,
crows and sea gulls (Margaritoulis, 1988).
Rethymno. Negligible egg and hatchling
predation by dogs, martens and ghost crabs.
Lakonikos Bay. Substantial egg and on-
shore hatchling predation is observed
mainly by foxes and feral dogs, and to a
lesser extent by jackals (Canis aureus).
Secondary predation of eggs is effected by
martens, rats, crows, and sea gulls. During
the nesting seasons of 1997 and of 1998
about 40% of the non-protected nests were
depredated (most of them partly).
Bay of Chania. Negligible egg and
hatchling predation by dogs and martens.
Also by tamarisk trees (negligible).
Bay of Messara. Negligible egg and
hatchling predation by dogs, martens and
ghost crabs; secondary predation by rats,
sea gulls (also negligible).
Koroni. Substantial egg and hatchling
predation by red foxes and feral dogs;
secondary predation by martens, rats and
sea gulls. Predation rate of nests is
considered to be very high (about 65% in
2000 when no protection measures were
taken); however, with protection measures
(screening of nests) in place, it is reduced to
about 20% (average over 5 seasons)
(Margaritoulis and Rees, 2006).
Kefalonia Island. Although that about
30% of nests were dug up by dogs during
1986 and 1987 (Sutherland, 1987), no
incidents of nest and on-shore hatchling
predation were recorded in 1996 (Stringell
et al., 1996) and in 1997 (Houghton et al.,
1997). Some incidents of nest predation by
martens are considered negligible.
Romanos. About 10% of nests were
depredated during the 1998 nesting season.
Nest predators are red foxes and feral dogs.
2.3.1.4. Human exploitation
There is no human exploitation of sea
turtles in Greece, because of tradition.
However, few instances of taking of eggs
from marked nests, by non-Greeks, have
been noted (e.g. at Romanos).
2.3.1.5. Other threats
Beach erosion is a general problem in
Greece. Many beaches are eroding because
of destruction of dunes (by stabilizing or
removing sand) and disruption of natural
processes by various constructions at sea
(e.g. piers) and damming of rivers that cut
off sedimentation.
Intense erosion is observed at Lakonikos
Bay (along Evrotas beach) and northern
Crete (Bay of Chania and Rethymno) (Fig.
8). Beach erosion at Lakonikos Bay is
probably caused by construction of small
dams along Evrotas river, which prevent
transport of sediments to the sea.
Beach erosion in the Bay of Chania is
caused from coastal constructions (ports at
Kolymbari and Platanias, groins at
Platanias and Aghia Marina), and the
removal of sediments from Tavronitis river
bed by construction companies. Also,
intense sand extraction is reported to have
occurred during the 50’s through the 70’s.
Beach erosion is also observed in the
Bay of Messara, caused from coastal
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Sea turtles in the Mediterranean: distribution, threats and conservation priorities
constructions at the northernmost beach
sector (harbour at Kokkinos Pyrgos and a
beach road). Sand extractions also used to
take place from within the military base,
but this has discontinued.
Soil from eroded hill sides, behind the
beach, impacts the nesting beach of Sekania
at Zakynthos. This eroded soil (mostly
clay), transported by rain and deposited
over the beach sand, changes its physical
properties and impacts directly nesting and
hatching success rates. Further it increases
vegetation encroachment and in the long-
term may cause restriction of the area
suitable for nesting. This problem becomes
more severe after brush fires, very common
in Greece during the summer (see also
sections 6 and 9.2).
Planting of exotic vegetation (Tamarix
sp., palm trees) is observed in Zakynthos,
Lakonikos Bay, Rethymno, and Bay of
Chania.
Predominant summery strong winds
towards the beach cause heavy surf at
Rethymno, Bay of Chania and Kyparissia
Bay.
Sea-borne debris is frequently
accumulated on the nesting beaches of
Zakynthos, Kyparissia Bay, Rethymno,
Lakonikos Bay, Bay of Chania and Bay of
Messara.
2.3.2 Marine Habitats
2.3.2.1 Incidental catch
The extent of fisheries interactions with
turtles in Greece has not been fully
assessed. The associated mortality is also
not known. From a sample of 226 injured
turtles admitted to ARCHELON’s Rescue
Centre in Glyfada (Fig. 9), in the period
1994-2000, it was found that 80% of these
turtles bore injuries (incl. hook ingestion)
attributed to fisheries interaction
(Panagopoulos et al., 2003). However, from
circumstantial evidence, it has been
understood that each gear has a different
impact to turtles. Also the fishing area and
season of the year play a role on the impact
of a particular gear.
Some nesting areas have a continuous
fishing pressure with a diversity of fishing
gears, e.g. Lakonikos Bay, which features
also a foraging area for both loggerhead and
green turtles.
Bottom trawls in Greece do not seem to
catch many turtles. This is the case
probably because most bottom trawlers in
Greece fish in waters deeper than where
turtles forage. Through an on-board
observer project, conducted in 2000, it was
estimated that the annual number of turtles
caught in the Thracian Sea (northern
Aegean) ranged from 0 to 418 and at the
Ionian Sea from 0 to 448. Both estimates
are of low accuracy because only one turtle
was caught at each area (the one in the
Ionian Sea was a green turtle!); both turtles
were captured alive in depths of less than
50 m (Margaritoulis et al., 2003b). The
usual practice of trawl fishermen in Greece
is to release immediately captured turtles by
throwing them overboard.
Drifting longline seems to be
responsible for a high number of turtle
captures. An on-board observer project,
conducted in 1999 and 2000, produced a
maximum estimation of 5,880 turtles/year
as captured by the long-line fishery of
Greece and a direct mortality of 5%
(Kapantagakis and Lioudakis, 2006).
Turtles captured in long lines are usually
released by fishermen by cutting the branch
line, without hauling the turtle onboard.
Thus, in most cases released turtles have to
survive with an ingested hook and a part of
a nylon line.
Set nets: This gear (together with bottom
long lines) is operated by numerous and
widespread small-scale and artisan
fishermen widely distributed all over
Greece. The so-called “small-scale
fisheries” of Greece comprises of more than
17,000 registered vessels, which operate
close to the shore throughout the year.
Although there are no specific data on turtle
captures by these gears, circumstantial
evidence suggests that set nets cause
accumulatively the highest incidental turtle
catch (and associated mortality) in Greece
(Panagopoulou et al., 2008). Also, captures
in this gear draw the highest number of
intentional killings or attempts at it (see
also section 2.3.2.2).
Beach seines. Although this gear is
gradually withdrawing from Greek fisheries
(licences are not renewed) it still has a
8

Greece
heavy toll on sea turtles, especially in some
areas. For instance, in Lakonikos Bay from
a total of 112 loggerheads, captured in a
diversity of fishing gear, 67% were caught
in beach seines (Margaritoulis and
Teneketzis, 2003). In Amvrakikos Bay,
where beach seines are since the end of
1970s totally banned, fishermen report that
when they were fishing with beach seines
they used to capture many turtles.
2.3.2.2. Intentional killing and
exploitation
In Greece, many of turtle deaths are
attributed to intentional killings or attempts
at it after capture in fishing gear. From a
sample of 226 injured turtles (of which
96.5% were loggerheads) admitted to
ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre in
Glyfada, over 34% bore injuries attributed
intentionally and presumably after capture
in fishing gear (Panagopoulos et al., 2003).
A subsequent investigation to a bigger
sample (n = 469) raised the percentage of
intentionally injured turtles to 41.6%.
Circumstantial evidence suggests that the
majority of the intentionally inflicted
injuries are caused by small-scale fishermen
using mainly set-nets. Main reasons for
such behaviour on the part of fisherman are
anger for gear damage, antagonism
(because of dwindling fish stocks), to keep
turtles away from their fishing areas, and
also superstition (turtles will bring them
“bad luck”) (Panagopoulou et al., 2008).
Foreign crew members working on
fishing vessels in Greece, mainly on
trawlers, might consume occasionally
captured turtles (Panou et al., 1999). Also,
there are some cases of fishermen killing
turtles (captured incidentally in their gear)
to take their shell for using it as decoration
either at their homes or sell it to others for
the same reason.
2.3.2.3. Other threats
Boat strikes. At the inter-nesting area,
where there is an aggregation of turtles in
the water, a severe threat is caused by speed
boats which very often hit swimming and
basking turtles. At Zakynthos, boat-strikes
at the inter-nesting area of Laganas Bay
were a major problem before the
establishment of the protected zones
(Venizelos, 1993). Today there are still
incidents caused by boats not following the
set speed limit of 6 knots (Fig. 10). Turtle-
watching by tourist boats (Fig. 11) at the
inter-nesting area, although a compatible
activity, needs to be further controlled to
avoid over-stressing the turtles. At
Rethymno and Bay of Chania motorized
sea sports cause disturbance and several
incidents of collisions with turtles at the
inter-nesting area. Numerous nesting turtles
in Kefalonia have had signs of boat strikes
(Stringell et al., 1996).
Pollution. A landfill site at Zakynthos,
near Kalamaki and Sekania beaches, creates
at times a polluted outflow in Laganas Bay.
Southern Kyparissia Bay receives domestic
effluents from the town of Kyparissia
(lacking biological treatment). Few turtles
were brought to ARCHELON’s Rescue
Centre partly covered with tar; so oil
pollution at sea does not seem a major
problem for sea turtles.
Dynamite fishing. Used to be noted
frequently in Zakynthos, Kyparissia Bay
and Rethymno but in the last few years has
ceased to a large extent.
Predation at sea. At the inter-nesting
area, eight adult and sub-adult turtles (5
males and 3 females) were predated by
monk seals (Monachus monachus) during
one season (1994), thought to be caused by
depleted fish stocks during that year
(Margaritoulis et al., 1996b).
Debris. Routine necropsies done at
ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre very often
reveal plastics in loggerheads, but this does
not seem to be the main cause of death.
Power plant entrapment. A loggerhead
turtle was sucked in by the waterway of the
state power plant station at Keratsini (close
to Piraeus port). The turtle was eventually
“fished out” by a local fisherman in
collaboration with the Coast Guard.
9

Sea turtles in the Mediterranean: distribution, threats and conservation priorities
3. Chelonia mydas
3.1. Distribution and abundance
3.1.1. Nesting sites
There are no regular nesting areas in
Greece. In 2007 a green turtle nested in
Rethymno, northern Crete, within the
boundaries of the loggerhead nesting beach.
Although the actual nesting was not
observed, identification was done through
the hatchlings, during the post-hatch
excavation routine by ARCHELON
volunteers.
3.1.2. Marine areas
Chelonia mydas is found regularly in
Greek seas, but it is much less common
than Caretta caretta. From a sample of 226
injured sea turtles admitted to
ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre in Glyfada,
3.5% were identified as Chelonia mydas
(Panagopoulos et al., 2003). However, a
local concentration has been discovered in
Lakonikos Bay, southern Peloponnesus,
where the percentage of green turtles
captured or stranded in the Bay comprise
about 40% of all turtles captured or
stranded in the same area (Margaritoulis
and Teneketzis, 2003). Because of their
small size (average CCL: 36.4 cm)
Lakonikos Bay is considered a
developmental habitat of Chelonia mydas.
Further, stranding data indicate more
frequent presence of adult green turtles in
southeastern Aegean (especially the waters
around Rhodes Island).
3.2. Past distribution and numbers
There are no data or anecdotic
information.
3.3. Threats
3.3.1. Terrestrial Habitats
Not applicable, because the species does
not nest in this area.
3.3.2 Marine Habitats
It is believed that the same threats
impacting loggerheads at sea are valid in
general for Chelonia mydas. Of course
there are differentiations on the area, and
the season of the year.
3.3.2.1 Incidental catch
As it was said in section 2.3.2 the extent
of fisheries interactions with turtles, and
associated mortalities, in Greece is not fully
assessed. Because of the not-so-common
occurrence of Chelonia mydas it is less
known than Caretta caretta how the
various fishing gear impact this turtle
species.
Bottom trawlers. It is interesting to note
that the only turtle caught by a bottom
trawler in the course of an on-board
observer project in 2000 was a green turtle
(Margaritoulis et al., 2003b). However, in
Lakonikos Bay with a mixed population of
Caretta caretta (60%) and Chelonia mydas
(40%) bottom trawlers caught much less
green turtles than loggerheads
(Margaritoulis and Teneketzis, 2003).
Drifting longline. It seems improbable to
be caught in drifting longlines.
Set nets. In an area with 40% green
turtles and 60% loggerheads (Lakonikos
Bay), about 30% of the turtles caught in set
nets were green turtles (Margaritoulis and
Teneketzis, 2003).
Bottom longline: It seems improbable to
be caught in bottom longlines (see also
Margaritoulis and Teneketzis, 2003).
Beach seines. Although this gear is
gradually withdrawing from Greek fisheries
(licences are not renewed) it still has a
heavy toll on sea turtles, especially in some
areas. For instance, in Lakonikos Bay from
a total of 76 green turtles, captured in a
diversity of fishing gear, 84.2% were
caught in beach seines (Margaritoulis and
Teneketzis, 2003).
3.3.2.2. Intentional killing and
exploitation
See 2.3.2.2.
10

Greece
3.3.2.3. Other threats
It is understood that certain threats,
described in the section of the loggerhead
turtle (2.3.2.3.), will also affect Chelonia
mydas.
4. Dermochelys coriacea
4.1. Distribution and abundance
As a visitor species in the Mediterranean
from the Atlantic it is also found in the
Greek seas but not often. From February
1982 until November 1984 (34 months)
eleven specimens were recorded along the
Greek coastline (Margaritoulis, 1986).
Further, in the period 1992-2000 five
leatherbacks were identified among the
1,080 turtles reported as stranded through
the ARCHELON’s Stranding Network
(Panagopoulos et al., 2003).
No specific marine areas are known,
besides that the 11 specimens recorded in
the period 1982-1984 were all reported in
the Aegean Sea (including Pagasitikos Bay
and Bay of Corinth), all northwards of 38º
(Margaritoulis, 1986).
4.2. Past distribution and numbers
There are no available data, neither
anecdotic information.
4.3. Threats
It is believed that the same threats
impacting loggerheads and green turtles at
sea, are valid in general for Dermochelys
coriacea. Of course there are
differentiations on the area, and the season
of the year.
4.3.1. Incidental catch
Most of leatherbacks recorded in Greece
were captured in fishing nets (mostly set
nets). Few were found entangled in long
lines (see also Kapantagakis and Lioudakis,
2006).
4.3.2. Intentional killing and exploitation
From the 11 leatherbacks, recorded in
the period 1982-84, three were killed by
fishermen after capture in set nets; also in
three cases the carapace (and in two cases
also the plastron) were taken as a souvenir
by the fishermen or local residents
(Margaritoulis, 1986)
4.3.3. Other threats
Not many data available. A necropsy of
a leatherback at ARCHELON’s Rescue
Centre revealed 9.82 sq.m. of plastic sheet
in the intestine (ARCHELON, unpublished
data).
5. Other species
No other species of marine turtles are
known to have been recorded in Greece.
6. Conservation status
Legislation and Regulations
Protection of marine turtles, as
threatened species, is provided in Greece
under several legislative acts, some of
which are listed below:
- Presidential Decree No 617 (Gov.
Gazette 163A/18-7-1980) prohibits
fishing of sea turtles, destruction of
eggs and collection of hatchlings.
- Presidential Decree No 67 (Gov.
Gazette 23A/30-1-1981 and 43A/18-2-
1981) declares Caretta caretta,
Chelonia mydas and Dermochelys
coriacea as protected species and
prohibits killing, mutilation, trade,
capture, possession, etc.
- Law 2055 (Gov. Gazette 105/30, June
1992) ratifies the Convention for
International Trade on the Endangered
Species (CITES), which includes sea
turtles.
- Law 1335/1983 ratifies the Convention
on the Conservation of European
Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern
Convention), in which sea turtles are
included under Appendix II (strictly
protected fauna species).
- The Convention of Migratory Species
(CMS or Bonn Convention), ratified
by an EC Regulation for the European
Union Member-States.
- The Protocol on Special Protection
Areas of the Barcelona Convention,
ratified in Greece by the law
11

Sea turtles in the Mediterranean: distribution, threats and conservation priorities
1634/1986 (Government Gazette
A104).
- The Habitats Directive (92/43) of the
European Union. Caretta caretta and
Chelonia mydas are listed as priority
species under Annex II. Further,
Caretta caretta, Chelonia mydas and
Dermochelys coriacea are included in
Annex IV as species requiring strict
protection.
Site-specific legislation for protecting
the nesting and inter-nesting habitats of
Caretta caretta at Zakynthos has been
activated, through various legislative acts,
since 1984. However, these acts were not
enforced effectively, because of local
reactions and lack of adequate political will.
Eventually most of these legislative acts
were incorporated in the enabling
Presidential Decree of the National Marine
Park, issued at the end of 1999. The
National Marine Park of Zakynthos
(NMPZ) imposes regulations on land,
including the six nesting beaches, and at
sea, covering the entire marine area of the
Bay of Laganas, which is considered the
inter-nesting area (Dimopoulos, 2001). In
2000 the Management Agency of the Park
was established with a 10-member board
into which ARCHELON and WWF-Greece
have one joint seat, representing the
environmental NGOs. The Management
Agency interrupted its operation from 2004
until August 2005 because of financial
constraints. During this period
ARCHELON tried to have increased
presence on the nesting beaches to
compensate the lack of wardening
(Margaritoulis and Dimopoulos, 2004).
The purchase, by WWF-Greece in 1994,
of the land behind the very important
Sekania beach (hosting more than 50% of
the total number of nests at Zakynthos) has
been a crucial act in the establishment of
the NMPZ and its subsequent operation.
Now Sekania beach features as the strictly
protected core area of the nesting habitat,
with WWF-Greece taking measures against
brush fires and subsequent soil erosion
from the slopes towards the beach (see also
Sections 2.3.1.5 and 9.2).
The nesting area of Kyparissia Bay is
included entirely in NATURA 2000
Network (created under the Habitats
Directive). The other three “major” nesting
sites (i.e. Rethymno, Lakonikos Bay, Bay
of Chania) are partly included in this
network. Further, the “moderate” nesting
areas of Kotychi, Bay of Messaras and
Mounda beach in Kefalonia are also
included in the NATURA 2000 network.
It should be noted that the inclusion of a
site to the NATURA 2000 network implies
only the restriction that Environmental
Impact Assessments, necessary for
construction works within the site, should
get the approval of the central Ministry of
Environment (instead of regional or
prefectural bodies if outside the network).
Amvrakikos Bay, which includes a
foraging area of sea turtles, is additionally a
protected Ramsar site (as a wetland), it
features a Management Agency, and there
is a recent Joint Ministerial Decision to
elevate its status to a National Park.
Efforts and achievements
A. Nest management and predation control.
ARCHELON: Fencing of nests mainly
against (1) predation in Kyparissia Bay
(Fig. 12), Lakonikos Bay, and Koroni, (2)
pedestrian and vehicular traffic in
Rethymno, Bay of Chania, Bay of Messara,
Koroni, and Zakynthos (in cooperation with
the NMPZ). Shading of nests to reduce
hatchling disorientation due to artificial
lighting is effected in Zakynthos,
Kyparissia Bay, Rethymno, Bay of Chania,
Bay of Messara.
NMPZ: Protection of nests at Zakynthos
against pedestrian traffic (in cooperation
with ARCHELON). Investigation to assess,
and if necessary to mitigate, predation rate
on hatchlings by sea gulls at Sekania beach
(in cooperation with ARCHELON and the
Hellenic Ornithological Society).
B. Public awareness (addressed to various
target groups).
Targeting “beach users” and visitors
ARCHELON: Distribution of live
information and printed material (through
information outlets at vantage points, close
to the nesting beaches, and presentations at
tourist facilities) are currently effected at
Kyparissia Bay, Rethymno, Lakonikos Bay,
Bay of Chania, Bay of Messara (Fig. 13),
and Koroni. The same are also effected at
Zakynthos with inclusion of informative
talks on turtle-spotting boats operating
12

Greece
lawfully in Laganas Bay (in co-operation
with the Management Agency of the
NMPZ).
NMPZ: Beach wardening and patrolling
at sea. Signposting at the terrestrial and
marine area of the Park. Operation of a
small museum and information station off
Daphni beach. Distribution of informative
material.
Targeting the tourist industry
ARCHELON: Strong co-operation has
been evolved with some large tour
operators, especially on the Island of Crete
(e.g. TUI, TUI Nordic, Hotelplan, Apollo,
PURE CRETE). These tour operators have
produced leaflets informing their clientele
on the plight of sea turtles and
recommended turtle-friendly behaviour at
nesting sites. It is estimated that about 2.5
million tourists received this information
from 1998 until 2002, prior or upon their
arrival on Crete (Panagopoulou, 2006). As
a result of this co-operation, associated
hotel managers are taking a diversity of
turtle-friendly measures in the area in front
of their hotels and support the work of
ARCHELON. Some of these measures
include collection of beach furniture at
night, reducing or cutting-off bright lights,
instigating turtle-friendly behaviour to hotel
personnel associated with beach cleaning
and water sports. A major hotel chain on
Crete that has been involved in such
measures is GRECOTEL (Valerga and
Panagopoulou, 2006).
Targeting fishermen
ARCHELON: Specialized projects at
specific areas (e.g. Lakonikos Bay); visits
to “hot spot” fishing ports; participation at
fishermen meetings; distribution of
informative material.
MEDASSET: Translation of RAC/SPA
booklet on handling of incidentally
captured turtles and dissemination of it
through Fisheries Departments.
Targeting schoolchildren
ARCHELON: Sensitisation of
schoolchildren at Rescue Centre in Glyfada
(about 12,000 children per annum) (Fig. 14)
and at ARCHELON’s Environmental
Stations in Kyparissia Bay and Rethymno.
Creation and lending to schools of portable
environmental education kits (Kremezi-
Margaritouli, 1992). Creation and
distribution of educational games, posters
and booklets (see Section 10).
MEDASSET: Euro Turtle; various
campaigns involving children (see Section
9.2).
NMPZ: Environmental education
activities in Zakynthos.
Targeting general public (nationwide)
ARCHELON: Regular publicity of
activities and events related to marine
turtles.
MEDASSET: Publicity through mass
media.
NMPZ: Publicity of its activities.
WWF Greece: Includes frequently sea
turtles at its nature-conservation campaigns.
C. Beach Management
Beach Management at Zakynthos is
effected by the Management Agency of the
Park. Management is implemented as
described in the Presidential Decree
designating the protection status for the
area, which includes specific management
measures. However it must be noted that as
yet, there is no specific Management Plan
for the nesting beaches, as required by the
existing legislation.
A pilot project to restore dunes has been
undertaken by ARCHELON in Lakonikos
Bay, in cooperation with local authorities,
during 1997 by installing sand-trapping
fences and planting native dune vegetation
to stabilise the accumulated sand (Irvine et
al., 2002). A similar project has been
undertaken by ARCHELON in Kotychi-
Strophilia, north of Kyparissia Bay in
western Peloponnesus (Koutsodendris et
al., 2006).
Management Plans (MPs) for the nesting
areas on Crete (Rethymno, Bay of Chania,
Bay of Messara), Lakonikos Bay and
Kyparissia Bay were elaborated by
ARCHELON in the course of LIFE-Nature
projects aiming in establishing protected
areas (Irvine et al., 1998; Irvine et al.,
2000).
The MPs define the sectors which
should be strictly protected and provide
guidelines for “turtle- friendly”
development outside them. They also
13

Sea turtles in the Mediterranean: distribution, threats and conservation priorities
suggest regulations to minimize human
disturbance on various aspects (e.g. lights,
beach furniture). Persistent lobbying has
resulted to implement parts of the MP of
Crete in cooperation with local
communities and authorities (Panagopoulou
and Dimopoulos, 2003). However, these
MPs and associated measures are still not
included in any legislation.
The MP of Kyparissia Bay has been
incorporated into a so-called Special
Environmental Study (SES), a formal
instrument foreseen by the Greek Law in
order an area to become a protected area,
which includes a draft Presidential Decree
depicting the recommended protection
status and associated measures for the area.
This also has not been implemented by the
Greek government. Pressure is currently
exercised to assign Kyparissia Bay a
specific protected status.
An Action Plan for the conservation of
sea turtles in Greece has been elaborated by
ARCHELON, and has been forwarded to
competent authorities and agencies for
comments/deliberations.
Some nesting beaches, mainly on Crete
and Peloponnesus, have benefited as to
their management by the “Blue Flag
Programme”. This is an international
awards scheme coordinated by the
Foundation for Environmental Education
(FEE). Beaches and marinas complying
with a strict set of criteria including
environmental protection measures and
environmental awareness activities are
awarded the “Blue Flag”. This award needs
to be renewed each year and can be revoked
if the awardee fails to comply with these
criteria. ARCHELON in cooperation with
the Hellenic Society for the Protection of
Nature, which administers the “Blue Flag”
programme in Greece, have developed a set
of beach management prerequisites
concerning sea turtles.
Effectiveness of existing regulations
Legislative regulations exist only at
Zakynthos, within the boundaries of the
NMPZ. The Park was founded in 1999 and
its Management Agency in 2000
(Dimopoulos, 2001; Dimopoulos et al.,
2003). The establishment of the NMPZ and
the associated Management Agency (the
first of its kind in Greece) were a major
breakthrough in protecting the most
important nesting habitat for Caretta
caretta in the Mediterranean. ARCHELON
and WWF-Greece are jointly represented,
since the Park’s creation, on the
Management Board of the NMPZ. Further
ARCHELON continues the long-term
monitoring and public awareness work,
through agreements with the Management
Agency of the Park.
From the outset ARCHELON has
expressed its support and made positive
contributions to ensure the success of the
Management Agency. Despite the lack of
experience concerning the operation of
management agencies in Greece, the
Zakynthos Management Agency has made
a genuine effort to establish itself locally
and proceed with its institutionalised
objectives (Katselidis and Pandis, 2008).
In April 2004 the NMPZ employees had
to go on strike due to the lack of funding
and political support from the Ministry of
Environment. As a result, all the nesting
beaches (apart from Sekania, where an
ARCHELON team was based) were not
properly patrolled and safeguarded, while
various violations constituted a daily
occurrence not only on the nesting grounds
but also within the Bay.
Following pressure by NGOs and by
European Union, the Ministry of
Environment re-activated the Park in
August 2005 by appointing a new President
and providing the necessary funds.
However, until 20 August 2005, vehicular
traffic and uncontrolled visitation on the
beaches, and increase of beach furniture
constituted a daily phenomenon.
Undoubtedly, 2004 and 2005 were the
worst seasons for the nesting beaches in
Laganas Bay since the establishment of the
Park.
Since its re-activation the primary focus
of the Management Agency has been the
improvement of the situation in Daphni by
coming to terms with its land owners,
several of which had built illegal houses
and other constructions behind or on the
nesting beach (Sourbes et al., 2008). The
apparent aim of the Agency was to acquire
control in this area, involving in the process
local owners, in view of the expressed
unwillingness of the state to demolish the
illegal constructions.
14

Greece
During the 2006 and 2007 seasons the
situation at Zakynthos was more or less as
follows:
- Control of vehicular access was
implemented on all protected beaches
(the ones that could be reached by
vehicles) by newly constructed or
repaired vehicle barriers mounted at
major beach entrances.
- Wardening was effectively applied on
all protected beaches, with the
exception of Sekania beach. Increased
patrolling was also effected within the
Bay to enforce maritime regulations.
- Control of beach furniture (umbrellas,
sun beds) was attempted by the
Agency by providing distinctive
furniture carrying the Park’s logo. The
enforcement of the legal quotas was
greatly improved and the legal sun
beds were either stacked at the back of
the beach or leant against each other to
reduce the area they were taking up.
- Increased signposting was done at the
major entrances of the nesting beaches
as well as on roads crossing the
boundaries of the Park.
- An additional restriction on vessels in
the northern part of the Bay has been
imposed for the exclusive use of
NMPZ-endorsed Turtle-Spotting
Boats.
During 2008 the situation on the nesting
beaches was further improved. However,
the management of the marine area of the
Park needs more patrolling to reduce cases
of regulation infringements.
7. Conservation needs
Caretta caretta
A Management Plan for Zakynthos
nesting areas, based on long-term
conservation goals, should be drafted and
duly adopted by the government.
All other “major” nesting areas in
Greece (Kyparissia Bay, Rethymno,
Lakonikos Bay, Bay of Chania) should be
given specific protective status (by means
of explicit legislation). Since these “major”
areas (or parts of them) are all included in
the NATURA 2000 network, competent
Management Agencies should be
established. These Management Agencies
will undertake actions, in cooperation with
competent NGOs, to mitigate the described
threats, taking advantage of the preparatory
work already done (e.g. Management Plans
drafted by ARCHELON).
Fishing regulations or directives should
be issued concerning post-release handling
procedures. Intensive public awareness
programme to stop intentional killings after
capture, mainly in set-nets. Investigation on
the possibility of providing compensation to
set net fishermen on damages caused by
turtles.
The Action Plan for the Conservation of
Marine Turtles, elaborated by ARCHELON
and under deliberation process by the
competent agencies, should be adopted by
the government.
Chelonia mydas
Extend existing NATURA 2000 site in
Lakonikos Bay to include the marine area
in front of the loggerhead nesting beach,
identified as an important developmental
habitat of Chelonia mydas.
Regulate fishing methods and gear in
Lakonikos Bay (important developmental
habitat of Chelonia mydas).
Public awareness program to induce
voluntary handling of green turtles
captured.
Dermochelys coriacea
Post-capture handling procedures should
be recommended or imposed to fisheries.
8. Miscellaneous
None.
9. Institutions and organizations
involved in conservation,
management, and research
9.1. Public
Ministry of Agriculture (MoA).
Responsible for legislative protection of
threatened species; national authority of
CITES. The Department of Fisheries,
within the MoA, is the authority responsible
for fisheries and the issuing of appropriate
fisheries regulations.
Ministry of Environment. Responsible
of legislative protection of habitats;
foundation of protected areas and
15

Sea turtles in the Mediterranean: distribution, threats and conservation priorities
associated Management Agencies;
operation of Management Agencies.
Ministry of Merchant Marine. Through
its Coast Guard department is responsible
for the enforcement of protection and
fisheries regulations at sea.
Ministry of Finances. Hellenic Public
Real Estate Corporation; Hellenic Public
Land Department: Responsible for the
management and commercial use (rentals,
long-term leases, sales) of beaches (winter
high wave line) and state lands.
Management Agency of the NMPZ.
Responsible for the management of the
National Marine Park of Zakynthos.
9.2. Private
ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection
Society of Greece, was founded in 1983.
The primary objectives are (i) the long term
protection of sea turtles and their habitats
(ii) the scientific study of sea turtles
towards their effective conservation, (iii)
the promotion of creation, and participation
in their management, of protected areas for
sea turtles on land and at sea, and (iv) the
relevant education and sensitisation of
authorities, local communities and the
general public. It conducts long-term
projects covering many nesting areas in
Greece by standardized beach monitoring
and tagging. ARCHELON elaborated
Management Plans for nesting areas on
Crete (Rethymno, Bay of Chania, Bay of
Messara), Kyparissia Bay and Lakonikos
Bay in the course of LIFE-Nature projects
co-funded by the European Union. Also
undertakes and/or supports specific
research projects in cooperation with
Universities. It also expanded its mandate
by undertaking work at sea both
nationwide, through the European Marine
Turtle Project (Laurent et al., 2001) and a
LIFE-Nature project “Reduction of
mortality of Caretta caretta in the Greek
seas”, as well as with projects-at-sea in
specific areas (e.g. Lakonikos Bay,
Amvrakikos Bay). It also conducts public
awareness activities both at nesting beaches
(since 1986 at Zakynthos) and nationwide.
Also, it carries out long-term educational
work at schools (since 1985 and by creating
in 1990 the first portable environmental kit
in Greece) and recently at ARCHELON’s
Sea Turtle Rescue Centre at Glyfada
(visited by about 20,000 people per year, in
cooperation with the local Municipality.
Further, it conducts lobbying on
government, EU and supra-national
agencies, organizations and institutions.
ARCHELON worked very hard for the
creation of the National Marine Park of
Zakynthos and in 1992, in close
cooperation with Greenpeace, WWF
Greece, and the Zakynthian Ecological
Movement, submitted to the Greek
government important technical proposals,
which had the consent of the majority of the
local communities and relevant agencies
(Dimopoulos et al., 2003). ARCHELON is
a Partner to the Mediterranean Action Plan
(MAP) of UNEP and Member to the
European Union of Coastal Conservation
(EUCC).
MEDASSET, founded in 1988, is an
international charity working for the study
and conservation of sea turtles and their
habitats throughout the Mediterranean,
through scientific research, environmental
education, political lobbying and raising
public awareness. The organization is a
Partner to the Mediterranean Action Plan
(MAP) of UNEP and a Permanent
Observer-member of the Bern Convention
(Council of Europe).
- In Greece, MEDASSET lobbies the
Government for the implementation of
an effective system of strict protection
for the loggerhead sea turtle in
Zakynthos through a variety of channels
that include international and national
campaigns- press releases and
announcements to media; letters and
reports to the Government; annual
reports to the Convention on the
Conservation of European Wildlife and
Natural Habitats (Bern Convention);
paper/poster/oral presentations at
International Sea Turtle Symposiums
and Conferences.
- MEDASSET's 'Small Garbage'
Campaign has been ongoing since 1999
and has played a role as an umbrella
campaign to a variety of initiatives such
as awareness raising leaflets, school
visits, beach clean-ups, press releases,
web activities.
16

Greece
- In collaboration with the Travel
Foundation and Marine Conservation
Society, MEDASSET has translated,
subtitled and produced the 8 min 'Turtles
in Trouble' animation in Greek on
responsible tourism on sea turtle nesting
beaches.
- MEDASSET's award winning (8th
Mediterranean Honourific Award
Winner, MIO ESCDE & Mediterrania-
cie) Creative Learning and Awareness
Raising Programme “Niretta the
Caretta” has been carried out in schools
and appeared at a variety of public
events and environmental awareness-
raising forums.
WWF-Greece. At an initial proposal of
ARCHELON, WWF-Greece acquired
about 33 hectares of private land behind
Sekania beach at Zakynthos to protect it
from development (Charalambides and
Katsoupas, 1994). The purchase was
completed in 1994 following a very
successful international campaign to collect
the necessary matching funds (the initial
funds were provided by EU through the
funding instrument ACNAT). After the
land’s purchase, WWF was hiring local
guards for Sekania (mostly before the
establishment of the NMPZ and during the
non-operation years of the Park). Also,
WWF-Greece is taking measures against
soil erosion from the steep hills, usually
following brush fires, which may degrade
sand quality and influence negatively turtle
nesting and egg incubation (Catsadorakis et
al., 2008).
Katelios Group for Research and
Protection of Marine and Terrestrial Life. A
local group working for the protection of
marine turtles on Kefalonia Island, Ionian
Sea. They work both in the field (beach
monitoring and tagging) as well as on
education and raising awareness locally,
including the local fishermen. They also do
lobbying, towards the government and EU
for the conservation of the nesting area of
Mounda (southeastern Kefalonia).
10. Resources available about
marine turtle research and
conservation
NMPZ’s Resources:
Publications:
- Leaflet addressed to “beach users”
- Leaflet depicting code of conduct
while at sea
- Website : www.nmp-zak.org
Infrastructure: Museum/Information Station
off Daphni beach. Seasonal information
stations in other areas of Zakynthos.
ARCHELON’s Resources:
Newsletters and websites: A 3-monthly
newsletter in Greek (ARCHELON
ischyros) and a 4-monthly in English
(TurtleTracks). It also serves a website
which is frequently updated
(www.archelon.gr). Newsletters and
publications can be downloaded in pdf
format from this website.
Publications:
- Turtle Facts (booklet with current facts
about marine turtles with emphasis in
Greece; in Greek, English, German)
- Colouring Book (for children of
primary-school age; in Greek, English,
German, Swedish)
- Caretta Book (for teenagers; in Greek,
English, German)
- Educational Poster of Turtle Species in
Greece (in Greek)
- Booklet on Fishermen and Turtles
(layman’s report, outcome of a LIFE-
Nature project; in Greek)
- Caretta (interactive CD-Rom; in
Greek, English, German)
- DVD “Our Wealth is the Richness of
the Sea” (on the interaction of
Fishermen with Turtles; in Greek with
subtitles in English)
- DVD “The ARCHELON Bubble” (in
English with subtitles in Greek) by
Lefteris Fylaktos
- Portable educational kits: The Turtle
Briefcase; Life on the Coast;
Fishermen and Turtles (all in Greek).
- Educational games: On Turtle’s Back,
Marine Voyages (in Greek and in
English)
Infrastructure:
- ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre at
Glyfada
17

Sea turtles in the Mediterranean: distribution, threats and conservation priorities
- Environmental Education Station of
Agiannaki (Kyparissia Bay)
- Environmental Education Station of
Evrotas (Lakonikos Bay)
- Environmental Education Station of
Pangalohori (Rethymno)
- First Aid Station of Amvrakikos Bay
(Kopraina)
- First Aid Station of Pangalohori
(Rethymno)
- Seasonal Information Stations in
Zakynthos (Gerakas, Kalamaki),
Kyparissia Bay (Kalonero, Elaia),
Rethymno, Lakonikos Bay
(Mavrovouni), Bay of Chania, Bay of
Messara (Matala), Koroni.
- Portable Exhibition (on marine turtles
and on their interaction with fisheries)
MEDASSET’s Resources
- EuroTurtle ( HYPERLINK
"http://www.euroturtle.org"www.eurot
urtle.org ) is a Mediterranean Sea
Turtle Biology & Conservation web
site for Science and Education and is
currently being updated, to be
launched in June.
- MEDASSET's website (HYPERLINK
"http://www.medasset.gr"www.medass
et.gr)
- Sea Turtle Resource Library
- Publications
- RAC/SPA's “Sea Turtle Handling
Guide for Fishermen” in Greek and
Albanian.
- “Turtles in Trouble” DVD subtitled in
Greek
- “The Mediterranean Sea: A Source of
Life" in Greek (English and Arabic)
- “Turtle Dives” newsletter in Greek and
English
WWF-Greece’s Resources
WWF-Greece includes regularly articles
and news on marine turtles at Zakynthos in
its newsletter Panda, issued monthly in
Greek, as well as on its website
“http://www.wwf.gr”. Information on
marine turtles is also included within
several leaflets.
11. Literature cited
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G., Nantsou, Th., 2008. Management of
terrestrial ecosystem to protect the
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Hutchinson, A.H. (compilers),
Proceedings of the 24th Annual
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Charalambides, N.C., Katsoupas, V.A.,
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Irvine, C.W., Belalidis, T., Siori, I., 1998.
Management policies for the
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Greece, in: Epperly, S.P., Braun, J.
(compilers), Proceedings of the
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Memorandum NMFS-SEFC-415.
18

Greece
National Marine Fisheries Service,
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Irvine, C., Margaritoulis, D., Arapis, T.,
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Irvine, C., Teneketzis, K., Margaritoulis,
D., 2002. Sand dune restoration behind
the nesting beaches of Lakonikos Bay,
Greece, in: Mosier, A., Folley, A., Brost,
B. (compilers), Proceedings of the
Twentieth Symposium on Sea Turtle
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SEFSC-477. National Marine Fisheries
Service, Southeast Fisheries Science
Center, Miami, USA, pp. 308-310.
Kapantagakis, A., Lioudakis, L., 2006. Sea
turtle by-catch in the Greek drifting
longline fishery, in: Frick, M.,
Panagopoulou, A., Rees, A.F., Williams,
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26th Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle
Biology and Conservation. International
Sea Turtle Society, Athens, Greece, p.
249.
Kasparek, M., 1994. Der Schutz der
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Katselidis, K.A., Pandis, J.D., 2008.
Sharing ecosystems: active management
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interface, in: Mast, R.B., Hutchinson,
B.J., Hutchinson, A.H. (compilers),
Proceedings of the 24th Annual
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Conservation. NOAA Technical
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National Marine Fisheries Service,
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Koutsodendris, A., Papadopoulou, S.,
Kardakari, N., Margaritoulis, D., 2006.
Pilot sand dune restoration at Kotychi-
Strofylia loggerhead nesting beach,
northwestern Peloponnesus, Greece, in:
Frick, M., Panagopoulou, A., Rees, A.F.,
Williams, K. (compilers), Book of
Abstracts of the 26th Annual
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Kremezi-Margaritouli, A., 1992. Sea turtles
stimulate environmental education in
Greece. Marine Turtle Newsletter 57,
21-22.
Laurent, L., Camiñas, J.A., Casale, P.,
Deflorio, M., DeMetrio, G.,
Kapantagakis, A., Margaritoulis, D.,
Politou, C.Y., Valeiras, J., 2001.
Assessing marine turtle bycatch in
European drifting longline and trawl
fisheries for identifying fishing
regulations. Project EC-DG Fisheries
98-008. Joint project of BioInsight, IEO,
IMBC, STPS and University of Bari.
Villeurbanne, France. 267 pp.
Margaritoulis, D., 1982. Observations on
loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta
activity during three nesting seasons
(1977-1979) in Zakynthos, Greece.
Biological Conservation 24, 193-204.
Margaritoulis, D., 1986. Captures and
strandings of the leatherback sea turtle,
Dermochelys coriacea, in Greece (1982-
1984). Journal of Herpetology 20(3),
471-474.
Margaritoulis, D., 1988. Nesting of the
loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta on
the shores of Kyparissia Bay, Greece, in
1987. Mèsogèe 48, 59-65.
Margaritoulis, D., 2000. An estimation of
the overall nesting activity of the
loggerhead turtle in Greece, in: Abreu-
Grobois, F.A., Briseño-Dueñas, R.,
Márquez-Millán, R., Sarti-Martinez, L.
(compilers), Proceedings of the
Eighteenth International Sea Turtle
Symposium. NOAA Technical
Memorandum NMFS-SEFSC-436.
National Marine Fisheries Service,
Southeast Fisheries Science Center,
Miami, USA, pp. 48-50.
Margaritoulis, D., 2005. Nesting activity
and reproductive output of loggerhead
sea turtles, Caretta caretta, over 19
seasons (1984-2002) at Laganas Bay,
Zakynthos, Greece: The largest rookery
in the Mediterranean. Chelonian
19

Sea turtles in the Mediterranean: distribution, threats and conservation priorities
Conservation and Biology 4(4), 916-
929.
Margaritoulis, D., Rees, A.F., 2001. The
Loggerhead Turtle, Caretta caretta,
population nesting in Kyparissia Bay,
Peloponnesus, Greece: Results of beach
surveys over seventeen seasons and
determination of the core nesting
habitat. Zoology in the Middle East 24,
75-90.
Margaritoulis, D., Teneketzis, K., 2003.
Identification of a developmental habitat
of the green turtle in Lakonikos Bay,
Greece. in: Margaritoulis, D.,
Demetropoulos, A. (Eds), Proceedings
of the First Mediterranean Conference
on Marine Turtles. Barcelona
Convention - Bern Convention - Bonn
Convention (CMS), Nicosia, Cyprus, pp.
170-175.
Margaritoulis, D., Dimopoulos, D., 2004.
Back to the old ways. Marine Turtle
Newsletter 105, 10.
Margaritoulis, D., Rees, A.F., 2006.
Loggerhead nesting in Koroni, southern
Peloponnesus, Greece: nesting data
1995-2002, in: Pilcher, N.J. (compiler),
Proceedings of the 23rd Annual
Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and
Conservation. NOAA Technical
Memorandum NMFS-SEFSC-536.
National Marine Fisheries Service,
Southeast Fisheries Science Center,
Miami, USA, pp. 151-154.
Margaritoulis, D., Dretakis, M., Kotitsas,
A., 1995. Discovering new nesting areas
of Caretta caretta in Greece, in:
Richardson, J.I., Richardson, T.H.
(compilers), Proceedings of the Twelfth
Annual Workshop on Sea Turtle
Biology and Conservation. NOAA
Technical Memorandum NMFS-
SEFSC-361. National Marine Fisheries
Service, Southeast Fisheries Science
Center, Miami, USA, pp. 214-217.
Margaritoulis, D., Hiras, G., Pappa, C.,
Voutsinas, S., 1996a. Protecting
loggerhead nests from foxes at the Bay
of Kyparissia, western Greece, in:
Keinath, J.A., Barnard, D.E., Musick,
J.A., Bell, B.A. (Eds), Proceedings of
the Fifteenth Annual Symposium on Sea
Turtle Biology and Conservation.
NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-
SEFSC-387. National Marine Fisheries
Service, Southeast Fisheries Science
Center, Miami, USA, pp.188-192.
Margaritoulis, D., Karavellas, D., Irvine,
C., 1996b. Predation of adult
loggerheads by Mediterranean monk
seals, in: Keinath, J.A., Barnard, D.E.,
Musick, J.A., Bell, B.A. (Eds),
Proceedings of the Fifteenth Annual
Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and
Conservation. NOAA Technical
Memorandum NMFS-SEFSC-387.
National Marine Fisheries Service,
Southeast Fisheries Science Center,
Miami, USA, pp. 193-196.
Margaritoulis, D., Argano, R., Baran, I.,
Bentivegna, F., Bradai, M.N., Camiñas,
J.A., Casale, P., De Metrio, G.,
Demetropoulos, A., Gerosa, G., Godley,
B.J., Haddoud, D.A., Houghton, J.,
Laurent, L., Lazar, B., 2003a.
Loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean
Sea: Present knowledge and
conservation perspectives, in: Bolten,
A.B., Witherington, B.E. (Eds),
Loggerhead Sea Turtles. Smithsonian
Books, Washington DC, USA, pp. 175-
198.
Margaritoulis, D., Politou, C.Y., Laurent,
L., 2003b. Assessing marine turtle
bycatch in the trawl fisheries of Greece,
in: Margaritoulis, D., Demetropoulos, A.
(Eds), Proceedings of the First
Mediterranean Conference on Marine
Turtles. Barcelona Convention - Bern
Convention - Bonn Convention (CMS),
Nicosia, Cyprus, pp. 176-180.
Margaritoulis, D., Koutsodendris, A.,
Panagopoulou, A., 2007. Fisheries
interactions with marine turtles, in:
Papaconstantinou, C., Zenetos, A.,
Vassilopoulou, V., Tserpes, G. (Eds),
State of Hellenic Fisheries. Hellenic
Centre for Marine Research
Publications, Athens, Greece, pp. 279-
286.
Panagopoulos, D., Sofouli, E., Teneketzis,
K., Margaritoulis, D., 2003. Stranding
data as an indicator of fisheries induced
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(Eds), Proceedings of the First
Mediterranean Conference on Marine
Turtles. Barcelona Convention - Bern
Convention - Bonn Convention (CMS),
Nicosia, Cyprus, pp. 202-206.
20

Greece
Panagopoulou, A., 2006. Tour operators, a
potential ally in the protection of sea
turtle nesting habitats: the case of Crete,
Greece, in: Pilcher, N.J. (compiler),
Proceedings of the 23rd Annual
Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and
Conservation. NOAA Technical
Memorandum NMFS-SEFSC-536.
National Marine Fisheries Service,
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Panagopoulou, A., Dimopoulos, D., 2003.
Five years of implementing management
policies for the protection of sea turtles
on Crete: an evaluation, in: Seminoff,
J.A. (compiler), Proceedings of the
Twenty-second Annual Symposium on
Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation.
NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-
SEFSC-503. National Marine Fisheries
Service, Southeast Fisheries Science
Center, Miami, USA, pp. 108-109.
Panagopoulou, A., Koutsodendris, A.,
Margaritoulis, D., 2008. Interactions
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important factor for the reduction of
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Hutchinson, B.J., Hutchinson, A.H.
(compilers), Proceedings of the 24th
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Biology and Conservation. NOAA
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SEFSC-567. National Marine Fisheries
Service, Southeast Fisheries Science
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Panou, A., Tselentis, L., Voutsinas, N.,
Mourelatos, Ch., Kaloupi, S., Voutsinas,
V., Moschonas, S., 1999. Incidental
catches of marine turtles in surface long
line fishery in the Ionian Sea, Greece.
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Rees, A.F., Margaritoulis, D., 2006.
Amvrakikos Bay: an important foraging
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Frick, M., Panagopoulou, A., Rees, A.F.,
Williams, K. (compilers), Book of
Abstracts of the 26th Annual
Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and
Conservation. International Sea Turtle
Society, Athens, Greece, pp. 316-317.
Rees, A.F., Margaritoulis, D., in press.
International migration of non-nesting
loggerhead turtles from Greece to
Turkey and Libya tracked by satellite,
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(Eds), Proceedings of the Second
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Schofield, G., Katselidis, K.A.,
Dimopoulos, P., Pantis, J.D., Hays,
G.C., 2006. Behaviour analysis of the
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Sourbes, L., Schofield, G., Karagouni,
A.D., 2008. Sea turtles & stakeholders:
A pilot management programme at the
controversial sea turtle nesting beach of
Daphni, Zakynthos, Greece, in: Rees,
A.F., Frick, M., Panagopoulou, A.,
Williams, K. (compilers), Proceedings
of the 27th Annual Symposium on Sea
Turtle Biology and Conservation.
NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-
SEFSC-569. National Marine Fisheries
Service, Southeast Fisheries Science
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D.J., 1996. Kefalonian Marine Turtle
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Valerga, M., Panagopoulou, A., 2006.
Integrating sea turtle conservation in the
environmental policy of a tourist
business, in: Frick, M., Panagopoulou,
A., Rees, A.F., Williams, K.
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167-168.
Venizelos, L., 1993. Speed boats kill turtles
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21

Sea turtles in the Mediterranean: distribution, threats and conservation priorities
Zbinden, J.A., Davy, C., Margaritoulis, D.,
Arlettaz, R., 2007a. Large spatial
variation and female bias in the
estimated sex ratio of loggerhead sea
turtle hatchlings of a Mediterranean
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Zbinden, J.A., Aebischer, A., Margaritoulis,
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Zbinden, J.A., Aebischer, A., Rees, A.F.,
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12. Acknowledgements
The Ministry of Agriculture provided the
necessary permits for data collection. Many
data were collected in the course of several
projects co-funded by the European
Commission, the Ministry of Environment,
WWF International, and several donors. In
the recent years data on Zakynthos are
collected in cooperation with the NMPZ.
Many thanks are due to ARCHELON
personnel, especially to the Scientific
Officers ALan F. Rees and Christopher J.
Dean, the many field leaders and assistants,
and above all to the many hundreds of
dedicated and indefatigable ARCHELON
volunteers..
Figure 1. Map of Greece showing major localities mentioned in the text. Numbers
indicate nesting areas (1: Kerkyra Isl., 2: Ipirus coast, 3: Lefkas Isl., 4: Kefalonia Isl., 5:
Kotychi, 6: Zakynthos Isl., 7: Kyparissia Bay, 8: Romanos, 9: Koroni, 10: Lakonikos
Bay, 11: Kythira Isl., 12: Bay of Chania, 13: Rethymno, 14: Bay of Messara, 15: Rhodes
Isl., 16: Kos Isl.). Cross shows the position of ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre
in Glyfada (close to Athens). Map drawn by MapTool of seaturtle.org.
22

Greece
Figure 2.
Kyparissia Bay still
features pristine beach
sectors (Photo:
ARCHELON/
D.Margaritoulis).
Figure 3.
The nesting beach at
Koroni, southwestern
Peloponnesus (Photo:
ARCHELON/
D.Margaritoulis).
Figure 4.
Sekania beach at
Zakynthos is one of
the densiest nested
loggerhead beaches
worldwide (Photo:
ARCHELON).
23

Sea turtles in the Mediterranean: distribution, threats and conservation priorities
Figure 5. Post nesting movements of loggerhead turtles tagged in Greece (Zakynthos and
Kyparissia Bay) from 1982 to 2004. From a total of about 3,200 tagged females, 129 (4.0%)
have been recovered at distances longer than 150 km from the respective nesting area. Of the
recovered individuals, 43%were found in the Adriatic Sea and 28% in the Gulf of Gabès.
Arrows are indicative and do not suggest migratory routes (figure and legend from
Margaritoulis et al., 2007).
Figure 6.
Sometimes beach
furniture exceeds legal
quota, foreseen in the
Marine Park’s
regulations (Kalamaki,
Zakynthos) (Photo:
ARCHELON).
24

Greece
Figure 7.
Caged nests behind
beach furniture in the
Bay of Chania, Crete
(Photo: ARCHELON).
Figure 8.
Severe beach erosion in
northern Crete threatens
nesting beaches (Photo:
ARCHELON).
Figure 9.
ARCHELON's Rescue
Centre at Glyfada (close
to Athens) has a tank
capacity of about 50
injured turtles (Photo:
ARCHELON/
D.Margaritoulis).
25

Sea turtles in the Mediterranean: distribution, threats and conservation priorities
Figure 10.
Speed boats may kill
turtles especially in
aggregation areas as
those found in Laganas
Bay, Zakynthos (Photo:
ARCHELON).
Figure 11.
Turtle-spotting boats in
Laganas Bay, a
compatible activity
controlled by the Park,
provides income to
many locals (Photo:
ARCHELON).
Figure 12.
All nests in southern
Kyparissia Bay are fenced
against mammal predation
(Photo: ARCHELON/
D.Margaritoulis).
26

Greece
Figure 13.
Seasonal information
station in the Bay of
Messara, Crete (Photo:
ARCHELON/D.Margar
itoulis).
Figure 14.
Schoolchildren at
ARCHELON's Rescue
Centre (Photo:
ARCHELON).
27

Sea turtles in the Mediterranean: distribution, threats and conservation priorities
28