According to a report published by Archelon, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, more than 700 sea turtles were reported dead in 2020.
“The reported dead turtles stranded on the beaches do not represent the total number of deaths that occur every year,” said Dimitris Fytilis, the manager of Archelon’s rescue centre.
The incidental capture and plastic pollution threatens the endangered species.
The majority of the dead sea turtles had either consumed plastic waste or had been trapped in fishing gear, plastic and trash, leading to their death.
Archelon is urging the public to be vigilant in view of the summer season.
The non- profit association was was founded in 1983 and aims to protect sea turtles and their habitats in Greece through research, public awareness campaigns, restoring habitats, and through its rescue centre.
More on GCT: More than 1,300 turtle nests located in Zakynthos (Greece): Record Year
