The National Marine Park of Zakynthos

I must admit it, my work for my beloved turtles are not the hardest in the world. We are along a stretch of beaches that are not among the heaviest populated turtle beaches. There are other people that are are doing an enourmous effort for the loggerhead, or other turtle species, in other parts of the world. Or in other parts of Greece. If we move our attention to the Island of Zakynthos, everyday life is totally different.

Below is a map of the protected area that is The National Marine Park of Zakynthos. The park was established in 1999, and has several different aimes. One of the most important are the protection of the breeding grounds for the Caretta. Other reasons are the protection of the monk seal, protect avifauna and especially migrating birds, and coastal and marine habitats.

The national marine park is on the south side of the Island and is located along the bay of Laganas. The bay is suggested to become a Natura 2000 site.

As I said one of the main goals for creating this park was to protect the nesting of the loggerhead, and the area is the breeding grounds in Greece, and then europe, wich ha the largest population. Each year between 857 and  2,018 nests are to be found. Even if there are several distinct areas within the park the turtles are nesting, the beach Sekania is the most important totalling about 5 km in length, of which Sekania is rated amongst the world’s highest loggerhead nesting concentrations in the whole world

So as you see there are much work to do for those that are volunteers in Zakynthos. But I'm sure there are loads of fun also and some really cool challenges. Maybe I must go there next year. Any way, here is a link for those of you wanting to become a volunteer at the park; Volunteering at The National Marine Park of Zakynthos.

Good luck