HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Sea turtles are highly subject to human pressures throughout their life. Wildlife Sense is a research, conservation, and education organisation that aims to help sea turtles around the island of Kefalonia. There are also several ways in which YOU can help protect sea turtles!
If you see an adult sea turtle or a hatchling in distress, please call us immediately at the number on the contact page which can also be found on every nest sign on the nesting beaches. You can also contact us through any of our social media platforms and via email, but for emergencies please call or WhatsApp our emergency contact number (+30 6984865941).
Performing beach clean-ups in your spare time is a great and easy way to keep nesting beaches clean and tidy for sea turtles. Litter on beaches could potentially deter a female from nesting or trap hatchlings on their way to the sea. Every bit of rubbish removed from the beaches will make them a safer environment for sea turtles and all animals that utilise the beaches.
It is important to leave beaches in the state in which they were found or even in better shape! It can be as simple as picking up a few pieces of rubbish as you leave the beach.
The removal of sand castles and filling in holes dug in the sand can help prevent entrapping or disturbing sea turtles while they are on the beaches.
Most sea turtle activity on beaches occurs at night making it very important to stay off the beaches during this time. If you do happen to find yourself caught in the darkness while leaving a beach, please avoid using lights. These could deter nesting females and disorient hatchlings that are trying to make their way to the sea. If you were to encounter a nesting female or hatchling on a beach please keep your distance and do not interfere with their behaviours or call attention to them. Sea turtles are easily disturbed and will abort a nesting attempt at the slightest suspicion of your presence.
While we always encourage the public to see the sea turtles in the Argostoli harbour, we ask you to remember the wild nature of these animals. Please do not feed or touch the sea turtles as this may lead to health issues and habituation to humans. Rather than placing a camera into the water, take your photos of the sea turtles from above. It is a great memory to share with others, but we don’t want to interfere with their natural behaviours or risk harm to them. While a close-up photo may be popular on social media, many of your followers will also know that you disturbed that animal to take the photo.
Responsible boating can make a huge difference to sea turtles swimming around the Island. Mind your speed in coastal regions and use propeller guards if possible to minimise the risk of a potentially lethal accident. If you observe any irresponsible behaviour at sea, please do not hesitate to contact us or the coast guard immediately.
The majority of sea turtle nesting occurs on the western and southern coast of Kefalonia. If you happen to be staying in a seaside hotel ask the managers what they are doing to minimise their light pollution! Even just closing your blinds at night when your lights are on can make a big difference to sea turtles.
Keep an eye on your environmental footprint! Reduce the use of single- use plastics, use reusable materials whenever possible, and be mindful of what you consume as certain products may, directly and indirectly, affect sea turtles.
Lastly, come join our effort and help us save the sea turtles of Kefalonia. Every helping hand is appreciated and makes a big difference out in the field! If you want to apply, click here and join our team!
