The National Sea Park of Zakynthos was created from a presidential
decree in December 1999. It is the first of its kind in Greece to be run by a
managing body, and sets an example for other regions of Greece with the actions
it undertakes.
Within its boundaries there exist the most important beaches for the
egg laying of the sea turtle Caretta Caretta's eggs. In the region of the National
park we also find populations of the Mediterranean seal Monachus Monachus, amothines
(underwater sand hills), Posidonia oceanica and hundreds of ecosystems of flora
and fauna. The restrictions on beaches for egg laying aim for the successful creation
of nests for the sea turtle, the hatching of the eggs and the safe entry of the
new-born turtles in to the sea. At the Zakynthos Sea Park there are six discreet
beaches for egg laying with a total length of 3,500 meters, on which these measures
are successfully enforced. The cleanliness of the beaches and the information
provided to the visitors are mandatory tasks undertaken on a daily basis.
For full and further information on the Caretta Caretta as well as
the other important ecosystems of the Lagana bay, there exists an exhibition center
at the Dafne Vasilikou region whereby children and adults can do a virtual eco-tour
and "travel" in the world of the National Sea Park of Zakynthos.
