The first Caretta caretta (loggerhead sea turtle) hatchlings of the season have begun emerging on Greek beaches, marking the start of a critical period for the endangered species.
Greece is home to the Mediterranean’s most important nesting grounds for loggerhead sea turtles. In the coming weeks, thousands of hatchlings will leave their nests and begin the most dangerous journey of their lives: the short but perilous trek across the sand to the sea.
First Caretta caretta nest hatches on Zakynthos as season begins on Greek beaches
ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, announced that the first nest of the season hatched at Dafni Beach in Zakynthos’ Laganas Bay, one of the country’s most important loggerhead nesting areas. During an early morning patrol on Tuesday, July 14, ARCHELON volunteers discovered the tracks left by newly emerged hatchlings in the sand.
They immediately notified the local management unit of the Hellenic Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (N.E.C.C.A.), allowing authorities to implement the necessary protective measures around the site. Throughout the nesting and hatching season, ARCHELON volunteers monitor nearly one hundred kilometers (approximately 62 miles) of Greek coastline.
Conservation teams patrol major nesting areas
As more hatchlings begin emerging, ARCHELON teams conduct daily patrols along Greece’s main loggerhead nesting beaches. The monitored areas include Laganas Bay on Zakynthos, Kyparissia Bay, Koroni, the Lakonian Gulf, and the Cretan nesting sites of Rethymno, Chania, and Messara Bay.
Hatchlings face numerous threats from the moment they emerge from the sand until they reach the water. Human activity, beach equipment, animals, artificial lighting, and other obstacles can prevent them from completing their journey safely.
Artificial lighting can disorient Caretta caretta hatchlings
Conservation teams pay particular attention to beaches where artificial lighting poses a serious threat, especially in Rethymno, Chania, and the Lakonian Gulf. Under natural conditions, hatchlings instinctively move toward the brightest horizon, which typically leads them toward the open sea. However, lights from hotels, restaurants, roads, homes, and beach facilities can confuse them, drawing them inland instead.
When hatchlings follow artificial light sources, they may become exhausted, dehydrated, or vulnerable to predators before reaching the water. To reduce this danger, ARCHELON teams place protective shading around nests in areas with significant light pollution. These barriers block distracting light sources and help guide hatchlings safely toward the sea.
How beachgoers can help protect Caretta caretta turtles on Greek beaches
ARCHELON has urged residents and visitors to exercise extra caution throughout the hatching season. The organization’s guidance applies not only to well-known nesting beaches but also to other coastal areas where individual nests may be found.
People should avoid visiting nesting beaches at night, when most hatchlings emerge. Staying away from these areas after dark reduces the risk of disturbing the turtles or accidentally stepping on them. Beachfront homes, hotels, restaurants, and other businesses should turn off or reduce artificial lighting near the shore. Even a small light source can lead hatchlings away from the water.
Anyone who encounters a hatchling should follow these precautions:
- Do not touch, pick up, or carry the hatchling into the sea.
- Allow it to cross the beach and enter the water on its own.
- Do not use flash photography or shine lights toward it.
- Keep pets and other animals away from its path.
- Remove objects blocking its route without handling the turtle.
- During daylight hours, use your body or a towel to provide temporary shade from the sun.
The journey across the sand plays a critical role in the hatchling’s natural development. Direct human intervention, even when well-intentioned, can disrupt this process.
By keeping nesting beaches dark, quiet, and free of obstacles, residents and visitors can give Greece’s newest loggerhead turtles a better chance of safely making it to the sea.
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