National Marine Sanctuaries Stamps

Value:  66¢ First Class Mail Rate (Forever) First Day of Issue:  August 5, 2022 First Day City:  Santa Cruz, California Printed by:  Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. Printing Method:  Offset Format:  Panes of 16The stamp commemorates the 50th anniversary of the National Marine Sanctuary System, featuring a photo of a humpback whale from the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.The First Day of Issue Ceremony was hosted at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz, California.A set of 16 stamps, part of the National Marine Sanctuaries series, celebrates the diverse marine life and historic artifacts protected by the sanctuary system.The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, covering 1,400 square miles, safeguards humpback whales during their annual migration to breed, give birth, and nurse their calves.Every November, thousands of North Pacific humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters, providing a unique opportunity for research on behavior, population, and human impacts.Researchers continue to study various aspects of humpback whale behavior, including breaching, tail and flipper slapping, and the enigmatic nature of their songs. The sanctuary in Hawaii offers a valuable setting for unraveling these mysteries.