Larvotto Marine Reserve - Fan Mussel 29.4.2010

Larvotto Marine Reserve is a coastal reserve in front of the beaches. It has a diverse wildlife with hundreds of plants and water animals. It is a perfect spot for people who love underwater adventures where you can see hundreds of fish species and critters. Larvotto Marine Reserve has a wide area of fifty hectares, established in the year 1976. It is originally built for maintaining a natural habit but soon became a tourist destination. Tourists will enjoy activities like swimming, diving, snorkeling, picture taking and sightseeing in Larvotto Marine Reserve.

Pinna nobilis, found in the Larvotto Marine Reserve, is a common name of the noble pen shell or fan mussel, which is a large species of Mediterranean clam, a marine bivalve mollusc in the family Pinnidae, the pen shells. It reaches up to 120 cm (4 ft) of shell length.

Marine Life 20.3.1985

Transkei 18.2.1988 - Seaweeds

These four stamps issued on 18.2.1988 at Coffee Bay in Transkei depict the different types of seaweeds found in the coastal regions of the state.

Thank you Maria.

The Grey Seal

The grey seal (Halichoerus grypus, meaning "hooked-nosed sea pig") is found on both shores of the North Atlantic Ocean. It is a large seal of the family Phocidae or "true seals". It is the only species classified in the genus Halichoerus. Its name is spelled gray seal in the US; it is also known as Atlantic grey seal and the horsehead seal.

The Faroe Islands issued this stamp and the lovely fdc on 9.6.1992.

Thank you Merja.

Organisms of the Mediterranean Marine Environment of Cyprus 5.6.2013

The Mediterranean is a mosaic of cultures, natural features and human activity. Thousands of years ago, man began living on its shores and took to its waters. Fishing, Trade and Navigation created the foundations for wide-scale development across its length and breadth. The Mediterranean Sea has now become an ecologically significant area. There are a number of varied ecosystems in the Mediterranean which are areas of reproduction, development and protection of marine organisms. Around 12.000 species have been recorded, of which 8.000 are fauna, 1.500 flora and 2.500 that belong to other groups.

The creatures depicted on the three stamps on this First Day Cover issued on 5th June, 2013 are:-

Seahorse:
Seahorses are found mainly in shallow, warm waters in areas containing seagrass. They range in size from 1,5 to 34 cm. After breeding, the male seahorse transfers the fertilised eggs to his brood pouch. They feed on small crustaceans. Seahorses swim upright very slowly and are highly vulnerable. Their thoughtless collection by people for decorative purposes has rendered them almost extinct. (Depicted on €0,34c value stamp)

Sea Anemone:
These are also members of the Anthozoa class. Most anemones are small (1,5-3 cm) in diameter, but examples of nearly 2 metres are known. They live in varying types of marine environment, including sand and rock. Some have symbiotic relationships with different types of algae. (Depicted on €0,43c value stamp)

Sea Fan Coral:
This is a member of the Anthozoa class. It develops a flexible and predominantly branched frame, reminiscent of a fan. There are around 200 species in the Mediterranean, around 30 of which are "fan" coral. They grow very slowly and are therefore highly vulnerable to human exploitation or carelessness. (Depicted on €1,71c value stamp)

Thank you Dear Merja for this beautiful FDC.

USA - Kelp forests

Kelp forests are underwater areas with a high density of kelp. They are recognized as one of the most productive and dynamic ecosystems on Earth. Smaller areas of anchored kelp are called kelp beds. Kelp forests occur worldwide throughout temperate and polar coastal oceans. In 2007, kelp forests were also discovered in tropical waters near Ecuador. Physically formed by brown macroalgae of the order Laminariales, kelp forests provide a unique three-dimensional habitat for marine organisms and are a source for understanding many ecological processes. Over the last century, they have been the focus of extensive research, particularly in trophic ecology, and continue to provoke important ideas that are relevant beyond this unique ecosystem. For example, kelp forests can influence coastal oceanographic patterns and provide many ecosystem services to humankind. However, the influence of humans has often contributed to kelp forest degradation. Of particular concern are the effects of overfishing nearshore ecosystems, which can release herbivores from their normal population regulation and result in the over-grazing of kelp and other algae. This can rapidly result in transitions to barren landscapes where relatively few species persist. The implementation of marine protected areas (MPAs) is one management strategy useful for addressing such issues since it may limit the impacts of fishing and buffer the ecosystem from additive effects of other environmental dangers.

My friend Ping-Lin gave me this excellent miniature sheet of stamps.