Greece has achieved a remarkable milestone in marine conservation, with sea turtle nesting numbers reaching unprecedented levels. Since 2023, the country has recorded over 10,000 sea turtle nests annually, a significant increase from the 5,000 to 7,000 nests per year observed in the early 2000s.
This resurgence is particularly notable on the island of Zakynthos, which has been described as the largest loggerhead turtle maternity ward in the Mediterranean. The island has seen an unprecedented number of sea turtle nests along its shores, with figures surpassing 10,000—an increase from the 21st-century average of 6,000.
The significant increase in nesting numbers is attributed to decades of dedicated conservation efforts by organizations such as Archelon, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece. These initiatives have focused on protecting nesting sites, reducing human impact, and monitoring turtle populations.
This positive trend underscores the effectiveness of long-term conservation strategies and offers hope for the future of sea turtle populations in the Mediterranean. The continued success of these efforts is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and the health of marine ecosystems in the region.
Source. The Guardian. "‘It’s hugely moving’: sea turtle nests in Greece reach record numbers." "https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/28/its-hugely-moving-record-numbers-of-sea-turtle-nests-recorded-in-greece" 28 Sep 2024
Edited by Ansh Pincha
Comments