Protect Sea Turtles Stamps

2024 Protect Sea Turtles
• Honors sea turtles and the importance of conservation efforts for these ancient sea creatures

Stamp Category: Commemorative
Value: 68¢ First Class Mail Rate (Forever)
First Day of Issue: June 11, 2024
First Day City: Corpus Christi, Texas
Printing Method: Offset
Format: Panes of 18
Tagging: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tagged

History the stamps represent: The world’s sea turtle population is believed to have decreased by two-thirds since the early 1900s. With an estimated 6.5 million sea turtles left in the world, the USPS issued these stamps in 2024. They bring attention to the threats these turtles face and encourage us to protect these precious sea creatures.

All six sea turtle species pictured on these stamps are considered threatened or endangered. They all face similar obstacles, many of which we can help alleviate. For instance, avoiding single-use plastics such as plastic bags and drink bottles can go a long way. In the water, turtles mistake these for jellyfish, one of their favorite foods, and eat them. The plastic makes them feel full, preventing them from eating enough food, and it can cause blockages. The same goes for balloons – releasing balloons is dangerous because they may end up in the ocean and be ingested by turtles and other marine life.

No matter where you live, the chemicals you use on your lawn will end up in the ocean and can kill turtles and other sea creatures. Using natural, biodegradable chemicals keeps the water clean and our marine life healthy.

Nesting beaches need darkness at night, so artificial light sources from homes and businesses should be turned off or shielded. Otherwise, females won’t come ashore to lay eggs, or the young will be drawn to the lights instead of the ocean. And be careful on the beach to avoid nesting sites. Don’t disturb the nests or touch the hatchlings. If there are no nests around, beach clean-up events are also a great way to help the turtles. Preventing garbage and debris from making its way into the ocean can save countless turtles’ lives.