Artemida Beach has become a temporary home for a Caretta caretta turtle nest. To safeguard the eggs, a small sign has been placed at the nesting site. In about 30 days, with some luck, the hatchlings will emerge and begin their perilous journey to the sea. Typically, they venture out at night, guided by the natural light of the moon and stars, which helps them avoid predators. However, artificial lighting from nearby developments can disorient them, leading the hatchlings away from the water and significantly reducing their survival chances.
While it’s commendable that some protective measures have been put in place, they are quite basic. The nest is marked by four stakes and a strip of tape, with a small stool and a note in Greek indicating its presence. Unfortunately, the proximity of beachgoers with umbrellas and sunbeds highlights the inadequate protection provided to these vulnerable eggs. Anyway, I hope that the hatchlings will manage a safe passage to the sea…
