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Whilst man has taken the first steps to explore space, the ocean remains totally untamed and still unexplored. As an island community, the Isle of Man, positioned1in centre of the Irish Sea, has a deep rooted affinity with the ocean. The island has depended for centuries upon its ability to live with the ocean and her ever changing moods which can be both tranquil and forgiving, yet totally ruthless and utterly dangerous.

In our quest to provide a unique insight into the 'Year of the Oceans' from an Isle of Man perspective, we wanted to provide a natural yet historical picture of the ocean that surrounds the island. What better ambassadors could we have than the local marine life that since time immemorial visit our shores,just like the great Viking Long Ships and Ocean going Liners, but with one differece, they still visit our shores even today! The ambassadors we have chosen are animals who are visitors to our shores in their never ending quest for food. As explained, the Isle of Man is washed by the Gulf Stream, and as such, a large food chain exists to which we have several interesting visitors which may even surprise locals from the Isle of Man.

THE ISLE OF MAN BASKING SHARK SOCIETY

The aim of the Isle of Man Basking Shark Society is to raise funds for research to take place on this phenomenon and also try to protect the shark, which outside Manx waters is hunted for only its fin to be made into soup. To destroy a wonderful animal of some forty feet in length for its fin is indeed both cruel and senseless, and is another condemnation of man's ability to potentially wipe out yet another species. The Charity's research is headed up by Ken Watterson, a local man who has dedicated his life to researching and saving the sharks. The Basking Shark dates from prehistoric times yet it is still visiting our shores and this is truly a remarkable and wondrous creature. It is hoped that by paying tribute to the shark in this Philatelic issue, that it will not only be of interest to the collector, but will also bring international awareness to the plight of this wonderful and totally gentle animal.