U.S. #5713j
2022 60¢ National Marine Sanctuaries – Sea Otter
Issue Date: August 5, 2022
First Day City: Santa Cruz, CA
Type of Stamp: Commemorative
Printed by: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd.
Printing Method: Offset
Format: Pane of 16
Self-Adhesive
Quantity Printed: 38,000,000
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is located near the Northern Channel Islands off the coast of Southern California. It protects 1,470 square miles of ocean waters around Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara islands. The national marine sanctuary sees 27 different species of whale and dolphin throughout the year including the largest-known gatherings of blue whales. There are also 60 species of seabirds and five species of seal/sea lion found within the sanctuary.
Habitats of Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary include kelp forests, sea caves, and sheltered coves. There are plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing year round. Tidepooling, snorkeling, diving, or kayaking are some of the most popular ways to enjoy the local flora and fauna. However, it is always important to give animals (both in the water and on land) their space. If your presence causes an animal to change its behavior, you are too close.
If you're lucky, you may get the chance to see a sea otter in its natural habitat. They are only occasional visitors to Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, but when they do show up, they stick to the sheltered kelp forests. In protected areas like national marine sanctuaries, you never knew what wonderful creatures you might see on your visit!