Rapid Assessment of Nesting Areas for Sea Turtles in Greece

Greece hosts approximately 50% of all Caretta caretta nests across the Mediterranean, while two areas—the Bay of Laganas in Zakynthos and the Southern Kyparissia Bay—rank among the most important nesting sites at the Mediterranean level, accounting for more than 60% of loggerhead turtle nests within the European Union. The exceptional importance of the Greek coasts for the loggerhead sea turtle reproduction necessitates the regular monitoring and systematic assessment of these habitats’ status.

WWF Greece and ARCHELON implemented an extensive citizen science project within the framework of the collective environmental NGO initiative “Greek Wildlife Alliance”. This action aimed to assess Caretta caretta nesting beaches at the national level, contributing to improved knowledge of the condition of the species’ key reproductive habitats in Greece. The program focused on conducting rapid assessments of the overall condition of Caretta caretta nesting beaches, including the natural and human-induced pressures affecting them, as well as key factors influencing turtle nesting and egg-laying. 

Data analysis showed that most nesting beaches are affected by multiple anthropogenic pressures, ranging from moderate alterations to severe disturbance of the natural environment. Tourism-related use emerged as one of the most significant pressure factors, with the most frequent interventions including hotels, beach bars, and restaurants. Finally, a comparison of beaches inside and outside the Natura 2000 network shows that protected areas have a significantly higher proportion of beaches in good condition (19% versus 5%) and a lower proportion of beaches in poor condition (30% versus 46%), indicating that although the protection status has a positive effect, it does not eliminate the pressures that continue to be recorded, particularly in the absence of effective management. Overall, the results highlight the cumulative impact of development, tourism, recreation, and coastal infrastructure on nesting success and hatchling survival.

The emerging picture underlines the need for targeted and systematic management, both to improve the condition of beaches currently in poor condition and to prevent further degradation of those classified as moderately impacted