Seals
Issue Date: 16 December 2006







On 16th December the Rothera Post Office released a set of four postage stamps featuring four types of Seals (Elephant Seal, Crabeater Seal, Weddell Seal and Leopard Seal).

Two groups of seals, true seals and fur seals (related to sea-lions) are found in the Antarctic and are an important part of the marine ecosystem.

Seals feed on fish, squid and krill, depending on species, with the leopard seal also taking penguins and other seals. As well as layers of insulating blubber most seals also have a layer of fur. The fur gives additional insulation on land, whilst the blubber also acts as a food reserve.

Seals of the Southern Ocean have been severely exploited in the past, but are now protected and seals have had dramatic population increases. The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (1972) regulates any sealing activity and was introduced as concerns were raised that sealing may resume. It did not and CCAS has focused on strengthening the protection of all Antarctic seals. It prohibits the killing of both Ross and Antarctic fur seals and sets catch limits, set at deliberately low levels, for others.

Technical details:

Design: Nick Shewring
Printer: BDT International
Process: Lithography
Stamp Size: 48.26mm x 32.40mm
Format: 20 (2 x 10)
Perforation: 14 per 2cms
Paper: CA Spiral




Copyright: FI Philatelic Bureau Created and Maintained by: Cyberpoint Limited