|
The greatest number of the sea turtles Careta-Careta
gathers, every summer, in the island of Zakynthos to lay their eggs
in the busiest bay of Laganas. This is the most important reproductive
place of Careta-Careta in the Mediterranean.
|
There, in the most important touristic resort
of the island with the longest beaches in Greece (5 klm
long) than any other place in the Mediterranean, 1600 nests
are created in six beaches. Due to the danger of extinction
of Careta-Careta that reproduces in Zakynthos, the bay is
under strict measures and it is protected with international
agreements, regulations, enactments and laws.
In the beaches of incubation, members of the Organization
for the Protection of Sea Turtles have placed signs, which
inform the visitors about the protective measures of the
egg laying of Careta-Careta.
The period of egg laying is during the summer months where
the female turtles visit the beach at night and by digging
in the sand they create nests; in a depth of half a meter,
they lay their eggs.
|
|
These eggs, after a period of 60 days,
will hatch and the young turtles will make their maiden
voyage to the sea. As the Organization for the Protection
of the Sea Turtle mentions, the young turtles must not be
helped to find their way to the sea because this first route
is vital for their life and their constant struggle to survive.
Therefore, because of the international importance, the
Laganas bay will soon accommodate the National Sea Park
of Zakynthos. This will strengthen the protection and the
scientific observation of sea turtles. However, it will
also help the ecological project that has been adopted by
the Organization.
|
|
|
In the beach of Laganas, there is a an information
kiosk, which hands out leaflets for anyone who wants to
know about the sea turtles and the organization's targets.
With your help, you will strengthen our project and be part
of the fulfillment of our visions because the protection
of the sea turtle Careta-Careta is the responsibility of
all of us.
|
|
|
Apart from the collaboration and help from
the Ministry in charge, from the volunteers, Greek and foreigners
and from the scientists, help and support from the visitors
are required in order not to disturb the eco-system in the
beaches of egg laying.
So, the night walks in these beaches are not allowed. Moreover,
sailing and docking of any ship is not permitted in the
bay. Also umbrellas, placed in the sand are not allowed
in the beaches of Laganas and Kalamaki.
|
|
|
