Why the stamp was issued: The stamp was issued to raise awareness about sea turtle conservation, highlighting the need to protect these endangered creatures and their habitats.
About the stamp design: This stamp features a photograph of a Kemp??s ridley sea turtle, showcasing the beauty of this critically endangered species.
First Day City: The First Day of Issue Ceremony took place at the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, Texas, a facility that cares for rehabilitated and non-releasable sea turtles.
About the Protect Sea Turtles set:
This stamp is part of a set of six stamps designed to promote sea turtle conservation. Each stamp in the series depicts a photograph of a different species of sea turtle: loggerhead, leatherback, hawksbill, Kemp??s ridley, olive ridley, and green sea turtle.
History the stamp represents:
The Kemp??s ridley sea turtle, primarily found in the Gulf of Mexico, is the most endangered sea turtle species globally. Despite conservation efforts that have led to population growth, the species remains critically endangered.
Named after Richard M. Kemp, the fisherman who first identified the species, the Kemp??s ridley is also the smallest sea turtle. Adult Kemp??s ridleys can grow up to two feet in length and weigh around 100 pounds. They are unique for their daytime nesting behavior and their participation in arribada nesting. Arribada, a Spanish term meaning "arrival," describes the phenomenon of large groups of female turtles coming ashore simultaneously to lay their eggs.
One of the greatest threats facing Kemp??s ridleys is bycatch??accidental capture in fishing gear. This includes turtles being ensnared in nets, hooked by fishing lines, or ingesting fishing hooks. To address this issue, Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) were developed. These devices attach to fishing nets, allowing turtles to escape while retaining the fish.
We can all contribute to their conservation by responsibly disposing of fishing gear and participating in beach cleanups. Debris left on beaches can wash into the ocean, posing additional hazards to these vulnerable turtles. These small efforts can make a significant difference in the survival of Kemp??s ridleys and other sea turtle species.
