2550) A glimpse of the diverse marine life of the Isle of Man, A British Crown Dependency (BCD): "Underwater Photography Stamps": A set of six postage stamps issued by the Isle of Man Post (IOMP): Date of Stamp Set issue: 31.10.2022:
The Header/Banner presents a Miniature Sheet (MS) showcasing the six stamps presented against a background of aquatic creatures. The MS is titled "UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY of the Isle of Man"
In this aquatic themed stamp issue, Isle of Man Post Office (IOMP) has presented a collection of Stamps showcasing the abundant and diverse aquatic life on Manx waters.
The Isle of Man is a special place for wildlife, both above and below water - with over 87% of its territory being marine.
Under the waves, beyond the view of many, the topography, strong tidal currents and clean waters has created a myriad of marine habitats and species, many of which are as bright and colourful as their tropical counterparts.
The majority of the Island's 160.00 km coastline is rocky reef creating a beautiful underwater habitat.
Much research has been undertaken in Manx waters over the centuries by marine scientists including the famous Manxman Edward Forbes.
Not forgetting the many scientists and students from around the world who studied at the Marine Biological Station in Port Erin, where much exploration and investigation has been undertaken over the lifetime of the Lab.
This has given a good understanding of the marine life that can be found in Manx waters and the processes that shape them. This work has highlighted the diversity that these marine waters have to offer and the huge amount of life that they support.
The Story of the Stamps:
The six creatures featured have been selected by local marine experts in order to best display the diverse range of underwater wildlife found on the Isle of Man.
Jewel Anemone Corynactis Viridis:
These small but colourful anemones form large congregations on rocky walls and over hangs in areas of high tidal movement where they use their tentacles to catch organic particles in the water.
One anemone has around 100 tentacles, each with a small round blob on the end.
Although seen in orange upon the stamp, they come in a variety of colours including pink, yellow, purple, red, green and brown.
Queen Scallop (Queenie) Aequipecten Opercularis:
One of the Isle of Man's five main commercial fishery species, this bivalve has two curved shells compared to the King scallop which has a curved lower shell and a flat top shell.
They are also smaller and are more vigorous swimmers. Their shells are often covered by a sponge which is thought to benefit both parties.
The sponge is less likely to be eaten by a predator and it helps to keep starfish off the queenie.
Cushion Starfish Asterina phylactica:
A small starfish found on the shore or shallow subtidal waters.
It can grow up to 15.00 mm across with five arms. They feed on dead plant and animal matter.
Individuals are simultaneous hermaphrodites and during breeding season will form small aggregations of up to 10 individuals to ensure cross breeding.
They then brood the eggs by laying over the top of them, remaining with the breeding aggregation until the eggs hatch.
Squat Lobster Kelp Galathea Squamifera:
They look like something between a crab and a lobster with their long-flattened bodies and tucked under tails, generally hiding in crevices between rocks.
This species is chestnut, red brown in colour with a greenish hint and red tipped spines.
It can reach lengths of 65mm, with a carapace length up to 35.00 mm.
This species is thought to be mainly a filter feeder, eating suspended organic matter, but will also scavenge for food.
Violet Sea Slug Edmundsella Pedata:
There are several species of sea slugs found in Manx waters, but few are as colourful as the violet sea slug or nudibranch, although the colours of other species do vary and can be bold, bright and beautiful.
The violet sea slug is a common species in Manx waters. These small slugs feed on even smaller animals called hydroids that grow in colonies on seaweeds and rocks.
Small Spotted Catshark (also known as the lesser spotted dogfish) Scyliorhinus Canicula:
This small shark species is commonly seen by divers around the Island. It is greyish brown in colour with numerous dark spots and a white belly. Catsharks hunt at night, eating a variety of prey that includes crabs, bottom dwelling fish such as gobies, and small molluscs. Their empty egg cases often wash up on the shore and are commonly known as mermaids’ purses.
Underwater Photography Prestige Booklet:
This exquisite full colour 28-page booklet proudly displays the amazing and diverse marine life present in Manx waters.
Featuring extensive text written by local marine biologist and Manx Wildlife Trust Marine Officer Dr Lara Howe, this booklet provides a fascinating insight into life beneath the waters of our Island through a collection of eye-opening underwater photographs taken around the Isle of Man.
Enclosed within the booklet are two complete sets of the stamp collection as well as 12 additional species featured on stamp labels.
The Technical Specifications:
Images: Andy Pegge, Tim Nicholson, Leigh Morris and Lara Howe
Text: Lara Howe
Design: IOM Advertising & PR
Printer: Cartor
Process: Offset Lithography
Colours: 4 colour
Paper: 110gm PVA gummed
Perforations: 13 ¼ per 2cms
Stamp Size: 36.00 mm x 36.00 mm
Set Size: 6 Stamps
Format: Sheets of 10 Stamps
Date of Issue: 31st October 2022
Limited Edition Presentation Pack (PP): 1100 copies
First Day Cover (FDC): 1500 pieces
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