PRE-ORDER Microalgae

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ISSUE IS AVAILABLE AS PRE-ORDER ONLY!

ANY PRODUCT ORDERED FROM THIS ISSUE WILL NOT BE DISPATCHED UNTIL THE OFFICIAL ISSUE DATE 21ST SEPTEMBER!

As the most important marine primary producers, microalgae form the foundation of the food chain. Free-floating algae are called phytoplankton, and they produce nearly half of the Earth’s oxygen.

The stamp features Chaetoceros wighamii, photographed in material found in the inlet of Inre Verkviken, Saltvik, Åland. This yellow-brown diatom forms chains of cells and long bristles which reduce sinking and grazing of zooplankton. The stamp sheet includes more microalgae.

“Microalgae exhibit remarkable diversity in shapes and colours. Their movements are also fascinating: ultra-fast jumps, rotating or gliding. The Baltic Sea hosts several thousand species,” says Tore Lindholm, who has studied algae in the Baltic Sea. His images form the foundation of the stamp issue.

The stamp denomination Världen (i.e. the world) indicates a specific monetary value when used as postage to send a card or letter. The value corresponds to the current postage tariff for a Priority mail item up to 20 grams from Åland to any destination in the world.