Stamps celebrate sharks in Canadian waters

New issue showcases mysterious marine creatures

VANCOUVER, July 12, 2018 /CNW/ - Experts note that between 400 and 500 shark species inhabit the world's oceans and waterways. These fish can be less than a foot long or larger than a bus. From fierce hunters that breach waves and ambush prey, to gentle giants known to nudge kayaks and bask with scuba divers, sharks are compelling and often misunderstood.

Canada Post has released a new stamp issue starring these fascinating yet oftentimes feared creatures just in time for Discovery Channeltm's Shark Week. They were unveiled today at the Vancouver Aquarium®, an Ocean Wise® initiative.

Nearly 30 shark species are native to Canadian waters or known to visit our shores. This stamp set highlights five of them.

• The blue shark is native to the Atlantic and often spotted around Newfoundland, the Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
• The shortfin mako is the fastest shark in the world. It hits speeds up to 50 kilometres an hour, usually when attacking. A visitor to Canada, the Grand Banks off Newfoundland, along the Scotian Shelf, is the northernmost edge of its migratory range.
• The basking shark glides through the ocean open-mouthed, feeding on krill, plankton and fish eggs. This gentle giant has been assessed as endangered (Pacific population) and as a special concern (Atlantic population) by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC).
• The white shark, a threatened species, has seen its numbers decline significantly in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean.
• The Greenland shark lives deep in the Arctic and North Atlantic Oceans. One of the longest-living vertebrates, some have reached 400 years old.

The five stamps, designed by Andrew Perro and illustrated by Julius Csotonyi, will be available in a booklet of 10, as a souvenir sheet of all five stamps, a souvenir sheet Official First Day Cover and a dramatic 25-stamp uncut press sheet. The stamps will be issued July 13 and available at post offices and online. They can be pre-ordered today online at canadapost.ca/shop.

Click here for stamp images and Details magazine.

SOURCE Canada Post