This set of 16 stamps showcases our nation's underwater treasures. From the coral reefs of American Samoa to the humpback whales of Stellwagen Bank, these stamps symbolize the amazing seascapes and marine life that we share this world with and our nation's dedication to protect them.

Balloon fish
Red-footed boobies
Humpback whale
Sea stacks
Mallows Bay-Potomac River Marine Sanctuary at sunset
Farallon Islands
Elkhorn coral
Hawaiian monk seal
Queen angelfish
Sea otter
Young rockfish exploring reef
Atlantic sea nettle
Sea lions
Sand tiger shark
Corals and fish, Rose Atoll
Ice on shoreline of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

The stamps depict some of the diverse and iconic wildlife and ecosystems found in national marine sanctuaries. California sea lions, queen angelfish, Atlantic sea nettles, and wooden steamships from WWI all thrive within the waters of national marine sanctuaries. Yet, there is no one image that captures the wonder and awe of sanctuaries any more than another. Celebrating all of the sanctuary system's geographic and biological diversity is not a competition, but a celebration of beauty and unity.

Shared similarities among sanctuaries enable partnership and collaboration, but their unique biogeographic features, human and non-human histories, current challenges, and communities are what give sanctuaries their identity and create a system representative of the diversity of our nation. The National Marine Sanctuary System has so much to see and experience for everyone, and these stamps are a glimpse into that world.