The Loggerheads of Kefalonia

Seen near the fish pier of Argostolli on the Island of Kefalonia. - We could see a crowd of people standing on the sea edge looking into the water. Imagine our pleasant surprise on seeing a number of these turtles there. Each one about a metre in length.

'Loggerhead turtles are named for their large heads that support powerful jaw muscles, allowing them to crush hard-shelled prey like clams and sea urchins. They are less likely to be hunted for their meat or shell compared to other sea turtles. Bycatch, the accidental capture of marine animals in fishing gear, is a serious problem for loggerhead turtles because they frequently come in contact with fisheries.

Loggerheads are the most common turtle in the Mediterranean, nesting on beaches from Greece and Turkey to Israel and Libya. Many of their nesting beaches are under threat from tourism development. Sea turtles are the living representatives of a group of reptiles that has existed on Earth and travelled our seas for the last 100 million years. They are a fundamental link in marine ecosystems and help maintain the health of coral reefs and sea grass beds." : www.worldwildlife.org/species/loggerhead-turtle