Chania beach party cancelled to protect loggerhead turtle nests, ARCHELON says

A beach party planned at Pyrgos Psilonerou in Chania has been cancelled to protect the nesting site of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), according to the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, ARCHELON.

In a social media post, ARCHELON said the event had been scheduled at the beach, which this year hosts 66 loggerhead turtle nests. The organization said intense lighting, loud music and human presence on the sand during nighttime hours can create serious problems for the turtles, including premature hatching, trampling, or disorientation of hatchlings.

ARCHELON noted that this is the period when hatchlings emerge from their nests and begin their journey to the sea, making the site particularly sensitive at this time.

The organization thanked the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (OFYPEKA) for its immediate response, as well as the Kontomari Cultural Association for its decision to cancel the event.

Background

Pyrgos Psilonerou is a beach in Chania frequently used by loggerhead turtles for egg-laying. ARCHELON monitors nesting sites across Greece and regularly intervenes to prevent disturbances to turtle nests during the nesting and hatching season.