A new definitive series for low values will be launched in January 1994. It’s a beautiful set of stamps featuring corals and reef life. The stamps are produced directly from slides.

Coral reef has been well described by writers using colourful prose extolling its beauty and wonders. This fascinating and complex ecosystem which we call coral reefs is among the last natural environment largely untouched by man. In fact, to different people, it actually conveys different things. To a student, the reefs are laboratories for scientific study. To the scuba diver, it is an unspoilt, natural world to be explored. To an aquarist, reefs offer the possibilities of finding fascinating subjects for the aquarium.

As with most of today's natural resources, coral reefs are in danger of being destroyed. With rapid development and the huge amount of waste being generated, pollution of the seas is inevitable. This, together with poaching and overfishing, threaten to put these natural wonders in jeopardy.

Apart from notable reasons for preserving our natural environment, there are also many scientific and principled reasons to save the corals. It is said that coral reefs absorb carbon dioxide from the air, a process which helps fight global warming.

This set of definitive postage stamps (low values) depict eight specially selected species of reef-associated animals which are found on local reefs. Taken from the collection of photographer, Michael Wong and from the Zoology Department of the National University of Singapore, they were beautifully cropped and doctored by Sylvia Tan for presentation on stamps. The result shows a collection of very colourful, very captivating designs that truely do justice to the exquisite patterns and colours of Singapore’s heritage under the sea.

Collectors and customers will get to appreciate the Tiger Cowry (5¢), Sea Fan (20¢), Tunicate (25¢), Clownfish (30¢), Nudibranch (35¢), Sea Urchin (40¢), Soft Coral (50¢) and Knob Coral (75¢) at very close range, without having to get wet.

Issued with the stamps are bright and attractive first day covers and presentation packs. On the covers and packs, a selection of the reef animals are tastefully and charmingly set against a clean, white background which enhances their prettiness. The ancillary products complement the rich and intense colours of the stamps beautifully.

For this issue, there will be a stamp booklet too. A really nice one which has the bright Sea Fan featured on the 20¢ stamp spread across the booklet against the dark background of the sea. It is eyecatching and certainly worth keeping.

Well, seize on the chance to be a part of these wonders of nature.