May is the month when the nesting season begins for sea turtles. However, instead of seeing their nests, we are confronted with very distressing news. In the latest incident, the “Naxos Wildlife Protection” association came across a dead sea turtle on Plaka Beach in Naxos. The injuries the turtle sustained left no doubt about a natural death, as they appeared to be caused by a cutting instrument. Additionally, during the autopsy, it was found that the turtle was healthy, as remnants of food were discovered in its esophagus.

We contacted Mr. Giannis Orfanos, president of the association, to shed light on the situation with the turtles in Naxos.

As he told us, this year, after many years, there is a surge in cases of dead turtles. Most have been injured by human hands, as confirmed by the autopsies. Of course, the association cannot be entirely certain when the animal was killed or whether it was swimming near Naxos or around nearby islands such as Paros and Ios. The association was founded in 2014 by Naxos residents to protect sea turtles.

While sea turtles swim in the waters of the Cyclades, they often get entangled in fishing nets, though this does not usually cause significant harm. Many are released back into the sea, and each person continues on their way. Unfortunately, some, however, are intentionally injured—usually in the head or neck—resulting in their death.

The members and the local community suspect who might be responsible for these acts, but they need to catch someone red-handed to make a formal complaint. They do not have the authority to conduct investigations but can publish information about the dead turtles. This creates a chain reaction: if rumors spread that turtles are being killed in Naxos, people will turn their backs on the island. This would negatively impact tourism and, consequently, the businesses involved in such crimes.

The authorities and the island’s Prosecutor’s Office are the only entities authorized to conduct investigations and checks to determine who is responsible, such as whether any boats operate illegally or if nets are being set in prohibited areas.

Either directly or indirectly, the association receives threats for the public disclosures it makes, although ideally, people should speak out and put an end to this condemnable phenomenon.

Get to know the Naxos Wildlife Protection Association

The association has established the Network for the Protection of the Sea Turtle in the Cyclades, with support from ARCHELON (Sea Turtle Protection Society) and the Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF). It conducts informative sessions with port authorities, local businesses, and residents of the Cyclades about basic information regarding sea turtles, rescue procedures, and proper handling of sick/injured turtles, including how to safely and quickly send them to the First Aid Station on Naxos. Depending on the turtle’s condition, they have facilities to hospitalize up to three turtles simultaneously or, if a specialized surgical intervention is needed, they transfer the animal to ARCHELON’s Rescue Center.

If you find a dead sea turtle in Naxos, please contact 6976797070 or ARCHELON at 6941511511.