In the early hours of July 10, 2025, a young male Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) was found washed up on Elli Beach, Rhodes. Nicknamed “Julius”, the seal showed signs of recent abrasions, suggesting a minor scuffle—likely a dominance-related encounter with another male.

Thanks to the swift response and coordinated efforts of local marine experts, Julius received immediate care. On-call staff member Mr. Dimitris Mavrouleas from the Rhodes Hydrobiological Station and Aquarium of the Hellenic Center for Marine Research (HCMR) arrived early to assess the situation. He was joined by veterinarian Mr. Margies, a member of the “ARION” Network, along with support from Mr. Odysseas Paxinos of MOm – the Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, and Professor Anastasia Komnenou, also from ARION.

After a few hours of rest and recovery, Julius decided he was ready to return to the sea—an encouraging outcome for all involved! We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Kyriakos Sotiriou for reporting the incident so promptly, and to the staff of Playa de Azul, Rhodes and Casino Rodos, especially Mr. Erigli Bicaku, for their assistance in managing the situation.

Since May 2025, a licensed First Aid Station for Wildlife Species (specializing in sea turtles and marine mammals) has been operating at the Rhodes Hydrobiological Station / HCMR.

Help Us Protect Marine Life

Every effort counts in preserving our fragile marine ecosystem.

📞 To report injured, stranded, or distressed marine animals, contact us:
📱 6952008130 or ☎️ 22410 78320
🕘 Available daily from 09:00 to 20:00
📲 Or reach out via the Aquarium’s social media channels

💙 Follow us on Facebook:
facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076905074124

Dear friends,

The first sea turtle nest in Rhodes for 2025 was recorded by local volunteers (Thank you very much Mrs. Aspasia Koupadi! ) under the supervision of ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, whom we thank.

The baby turtles are expected to hatch in about two months!

If you’ve been following us, you’ll already know that when we spot a sea turtle nesting event, we:

– Observe from a distance.

– It’s natural to get excited, but try not to shout or make noise! ​​

– Take photos or videos, Without flash!

– When the turtle returns to the sea, we delimit the nest with improvised materials.

– Under no circumstances do we shade or wet the nest!

– We immediately inform the Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes – Aquarium/HCMR in the following ways:

– by phone at 2241027308 (09:00 – 20:00 DAILY) or at 6952008130

– via the Rhodes Aquarium – Hydrobiological Station – HCMR page and Rhodes Aquarium Facebook profile

– by e-mail at hsr@hcmr.gr

Or by informing ARCHELON directly at the following link:

With your cooperation, we can help preserve these iconic species!

Thank you!

Exciting news for nature enthusiasts and conservationists alike!

Not only one, but two species of sea turtles are now confirmed to nest on Rhodes!

We are thrilled to announce the publication of our groundbreaking research on the first recorded green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) nest along the coast of Rhodes. Until now, we only knew that the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nested on our shores. However, as part of a comprehensive monitoring and recording project carried out in the summer of 2024 by the scientific team of the Rhodes Aquarium – Hydrobiological Station – HCMR (Hellenic Centre for Marine Research), in collaboration with the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece (Archelon), we are proud to report the first-ever discovery of a green sea turtle nest in South Rhodes!

You can read our full publication here: Research Gate «The first Green Turtle nest documented in Rhodes Island, Greece»

Historically, green turtle nesting has been limited to the easternmost part of the Mediterranean, along the coast of Turkey. Beyond this, there have only been two records in Tunisia and Libya. In Greece, the only confirmed sightings of green turtle nesting were in Crete, in 2007 and 2019. Recent findings suggest that green turtle nesting areas are gradually expanding westward in the Mediterranean, likely due to rising sea temperatures.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Ms. Aspasia Koupadi for her invaluable contribution to this important discovery!

A Friendly Reminder:

• If you spot a turtle coming ashore to nest (typically at night), please observe from a safe distance. Do not disturb the animal and never use flash photography or flashlights.
• If you see baby turtles emerging from the nest, do not touch them, or carry them to the water. You must not stand on their way to the sea.
• In any case, please immediately report the sighting to the Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes – Aquarium and «ARCHELON» for proper recording of the case and protection of the nest and hatchlings.
• If you encounter a dead or injured turtle, kindly follow the same protocol and inform the relevant authorities.
• Remember, sea turtles are protected species under international conventions, and every observation is valuable for conservation efforts!

Thank you for your cooperation in protecting these incredible creatures!

The Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes-Aquarium of HCMR proceeded this morning to excavate a sea turtle nest in the area of ​​Vlycha, strictly following the relevant scientific protocols and the instructions of ARCHELON.

But the luckiest of all were those who responded to our invitation yesterday, as they helped open a passage to the sea and witnessed young Caretta caretta turtles searching and managing to find their way to the sea!

It is extremely important that each baby turtle reaches the sea under its own power, because walking on the sand strengthens its fins, so that it can evolve into a strong swimmer!

We must not forget that under no circumstances should we put the turtles in the water ourselves! Walking from the nest to the sea, the young turtles map and memorize the beach where they were born so that they return to the same beach after about 20 years to lay their eggs!

Thank you to all the volunteers as well as the staff and management of Lindos Blu Hotel for their support and help!

In case you spot a nest or even young turtles, please immediately inform the Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes – Aquarium at 2241027308

Thank you!

The summer educational workshops that took place at YSR at the end of August were completed, hosting a high number of children and their parents.

The Educational Program was based on the book «Mister Seahorse», by the award-winning children books author, Eric Carle, of “Kaleidoscopio” Publications.

The educational activity included:

– introduction to the historical building of Rhodes Aquarium and its unique architecture

– introduction to the Mediterranean fish

–  interactive book read,

– discussion on the Posidonia oceanica meadows, non indigenous species, fish behavior and plastic pollution, all based on the book,

– painting and crafts using materials that the children had brought from home,

–  treasure hunt, using a real compass and map and finally,

– Aquarium visit through the «secret door». 

Environmental Education Coordinator: Vivian Louizidou – Biologist Oceanographer 

Stay tuned for more!