ARHELAON’s guidelines on how you can help newborn sea turtles reach the sea

The Association for the Protection of Sea Turtles ARCHELON, in a Facebook post, informed the public about what they should do to help newborn sea turtles successfully reach the sea

ARCEHLON wrote: “In addition to the nesting beaches monitored by ARCHELON in Zakynthos, the Peloponnese, and Crete, due to sporadic nesting phenomena, sea turtles can appear anywhere along the Greek coasts!”

We have received numerous reports from citizens about baby turtles emerging on beaches such as those on Syros, Folegandros, Donoussa, and even in Attica. If you encounter baby turtles this year, please:

– Call ARCHELON’s 24-hour rescue number at 6941 511 511

– Follow ARCHELON’s instructions

– Share ARCHELON’s guidelines to inform others correctly.

The detailed instructions provided to help protect and assist the baby turtles on their first journey are as follows:

Do not touch them. It is crucial to limit human contact.

Do not place them in the sea. They must reach the water on their own.

Avoid using flash photography. The light can disorient them.

Avoid the beach during the evening hours. Allow the turtles to hatch without disturbances.

Protect them from the hot sun. Provide shade using your body or a towel.

Guard them from predators. Keep birds or other animals away from them.

Facilitate their path. Smooth the sand and remove any obstacles.

Gently tap the sand in front of them. Vibrations can help guide them in the right direction.