The Bermuda Post Office (BPO) is proud to issue its second commemorative stamp release of the year featuring Whales in Bermuda. This stunning collection highlights the North Atlantic humpback whales that migrate past Bermuda annually.
Centuries of global commercial whaling decimated cetacean populations. However, a worldwide moratorium on commercial whaling in 1986 allowed these majestic marine mammals to make a remarkable comeback. Historically, Bermuda's inhabitants also hunted humpback whales for their meat, blubber, and oil, with the last whale captured in Bermuda in 1942.
Since 2006, Andrew Stevenson has dedicated himself to observing, recording, and researching the humpbacks during their migration past Bermuda. Distinct black-and-white pigmentation patterns on the under (ventral) sides of humpback tails (flukes), similar to human fingerprints, are unique identifiers.
"When I first started identifying humpbacks, only 140 had been recorded in Bermuda waters over the previous 40 years," said Andrew Stevenson. "In the past 18 years, I have identified and catalogued nearly 2,500 individual whales, building one of the largest collections of whale identifications from a single location."
Andrew’s research has gained international recognition. Despite having no formal background in marine science, he has been invited to conferences worldwide to share insights into the pelagic lives of humpbacks. He has authored and co-authored several scientific papers, published two illustrated books, and produced two award-winning documentaries.
The Whales in Bermuda stamps will be available starting March 20th, 2025. The prices are $4.00 for the complete set of stamps and $7.00 for the First Day Cover. Orders may be pre-paid for collection or mailing on the day of issue at the Bermuda Post Office or any of its sub-post offices.
For more information, please visit https://philatelic.bermudapost.bm/ or contact Mrs. Ideleia Fox at imfox@gov.bm.
About the Bermuda Post Office
The Bermuda Post Office is dedicated to providing reliable postal services while celebrating Bermuda’s rich history, culture, and natural heritage through commemorative stamp collections.