A beach party planned at a nesting beach for endangered loggerhead sea turtles in Chania, Crete, was canceled after intervention by members of ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society.

The event was scheduled to take place at Pyrgos Psilonerou, an area where loggerhead turtles frequently come ashore to lay their eggs. This year, the beach is home to 66 Caretta caretta nests.

According to ARCHELON, bright lights, loud music and increased human activity on the sand at night can pose serious risks to the turtles, particularly during the period when hatchlings emerge from their nests and make their way toward the sea.

The potential problems include premature hatching, hatchlings being stepped on and disorientation that can prevent them from reaching the water.

In a social media post, ARCHELON described the cancellation as “an optimistic piece of news from Chania,” saying the planned party was called off following the group’s prompt intervention and cooperation among the relevant organizations.

“An optimistic piece of news from Chania. A planned beach party at the sea turtle nesting beach in Pyrgos Psilonerou was canceled, thanks to the immediate mobilization of ARCHELON and the cooperation of all the organizations involved,” the group said.

The organization also thanked the Natural Environment & Climate Change Agency (NECCA) for its prompt response and the Kontomari Cultural Association for its decision to cancel the event.

“At this time, the little turtles are emerging from their nests and beginning their journey toward the sea,” ARCHELON said, emphasizing the importance of protecting the nesting beach from nighttime activities.