1. Don't leave litter on the beach
2. Knock down your sandcastles before you leave. They are real fortresses to baby sea turtles trying to find a clear path to the sea.
3. Place beach umbrellas below the high tide line. Sea turtles nest in drier sand higher on the beach.
4. Don't help sea turtle hatchlings into the water. They have to flex their muscles before trying to swim.
5. Don't camp on the beach. Momma turtles may bump into you and give up nesting that night.
6. Don't drive on the beach. You could crush sea turtle eggs, hatchlings, or grown sea turtles.
7. Don't go on the beach at night. The fewer disturbances, the more likely the chances that turtle nesting efforts will be successful.
8. Respect the environment wherever you go.
9. Tell people about Caretta caretta and how the wildlife of Greece has attracted you to that town or island - especially tell local hotel owners, tavern keepers, and tourism professionals of all kinds. One "ordinary" tourist praising the local wildlife may do more lasting good than a thousand pamphlets or new regulations.
10. Visit the local wildlife organizations. Your friendly support matters!
Volunteer Opportunities for Turtle Rescue
Special thanks to Manuel Coleman and the Katelios Group for providing information on the steps in turtle rescue and providing photographs. Photos copyright 2004 The Katelios Group. Used by permission; all rights reserved.
