The Cocos (Keeling) Islands’ stamp program for 2023 has already produced a beautiful set to collect.  More on that in a minute. Australia Post is responsible for Cocos’ stamp creation, and that means they have access to the best Australian artists and designers. This in turn results in a vibrant snapshot of the islands history, flora and fauna and landscape. 

2023 begins with a look at the rich coral reefs around the islands. The Australian government created the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marine Park last year, which will protect 467,054-square-kilometre of a delicate eco system. The Islands’ coral reefs: 

 … provides habitats for a range of unique, migratory and threatened species in a region of the world where the ocean is facing increased environmental pressures. The marine park also adjoins Pulu Keeling National Park, connecting and increasing protections across land and sea for
species like seabirds which require both environments for their survival. amp-iot-cki-values-statements.pdf (parksaustralia.gov.au)

Not sure if there will be a second set of stamps, but I’d be happy with this Reef Fish issue as the only set for 2023. If you want to be alerted if another issue comes out, sign up for my weekly newsletter. It usually comes out Sunday night, but often is delayed to Monday if I get sidetracked with food, wine and friends. 

The  NEWSLETTER is free & includes all updated countries & links to new articles. Oh and subscribers get early access to upcoming articles.

Sign up for our weekly NEWSLETTER!
It’s free & includes all updated countries & links to new articles.

March

Cocos (Keeling) Islands Reef Fish
Topics: oceans | fish

10 stamps, souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel, presentation pack
offset lithography

• Greenlip Parrotfish (Scarus viridifucatus)
• Bluefin Trevally (Caranx melampygus)
• Roundface Batfish (Platax teira)
• Tomato Rockcod (Cephalopholis sonnerati)
• Checkerboard Wrasse (Halichoeres hortulanus)
• Gilded Triggerfish (Xanthichthys auromarginatus)
• Masked Rabbitfish (Siganus puellus)
• Bluelined Surgeonfish (Acanthurus lineatus)
• Cocos Pygmy Angelfish (Centropyge joculator)
• Peppered Butterflyfish (Chaetodon guttatissimus)

This page Status of the Coral Reefs at the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Indian Ocean – DCCEEW has a downloadable pdf report on the condition of the reef. 

Photographer: Karen Willshaw
Designer: Jason Watts, Australia Post Design Studio
According to Australia Post, some “artistic license” has been used in the photos. Watts applied it to isolate and showcase individual fish for each stamp. 

Release date: March 23, 2023 
*note: these stamps will be withdrawn on October 1, 2023

September

White-breasted Waterhen
Topics: birds| fauna

2 stamps, souvenir sheet, 2 FDCs, cancel, gutter strips

Amauronrnis p. phoenicurus

Designer: Jo Muré

 Release date: September 19, 2023