"Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina"
The 27th Annual International Sea Turtle Symposium

The 27th Annual International Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation was a great success, bringing together nearly one thousand of the world's turtlers under the theme of 'migration'. Held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina the Symposium stretched from the 22nd to the 28th February covering regional meetings, fisheries, population, water and beach management; conservation and management; behaviour and movement and much more.

From left: Lily Venizelos and Erene, Alexandros, Elena, Aristotelis Mpougas

Lily Venizelos represented MEDASSET presenting a joint paper: 'Crossing Borders: Attempts to Establish Transnational Networks in the Mediterranean'; showing a PowerPoint presentation at the Mediterranean Meeting about Zakynthos National Marine Park 'And it all came toppling down'. Also at the video session Lily exhibited Richard Brock's short film 'Can Turtles and Tourists Mix?' regarding tourism on Zakynthos nesting beaches. Important research and conservation issues were discussed at the Mediterranean Meeting held during the Symposium, including the conservation situation of Zakynthos. Representatives from Turkey, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal attended.

MEDASSET's Vendor table with the help of the fantastic Mpougas family, raised an unprecedented amount. Not only did our exquisite charms completely sell out, we

"CASA TORTUGA"!

Jean and Sandy of "The Karen Beasely Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre", who so kindly hosted Lily Venizelos after the Symposium, told of the interesting acquisition of their volunteer quarters. Donated by the Orr family in1998 who were rebuilding; they had it delivered by truck!!

With the generous and warm-hearted hospitality of Jean Beasely and Sandy Sly, Lily was given the opportunity to visit the impressive 'Karen Beasely Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre' in Topsail Beach, North Carolina. The Centre, with 19 sea turtle patients and its eclectic mix of volunteers is a wonderful example of how passion, enthusiasm, love and dedication can make a difference.

"Poseidon" Award

The Greek Federation for Associations of Friends of Museums awarded Lily the "Poseidon" award for her internationally acknowledged contribution to the conservation of the marine environment in the Mediterranean, on February 12th 2007.

IUCN's Marine Turtle Specialist Group (MTSG)

February brought exciting news when the World Conservation Union (IUCN) SSC Marine Turtle Specialist Group invited Lily Venizelos to serve as a member. Through a network of sea turtle specialists worldwide, the MTSG aim to develop and support strategies, set priorities, and provide tools that promote and guide the conservation of marine turtles, and their ecological roles and habitats.