New Åland franking labels dive into the deep

On 3 February 2025, Åland Post releases a new series of franking labels on the theme Treasures of the sea, capturing life below the surface. “The sea and the water are omnipresent on Åland. With the new franking labels, we wish to highlight the diversity and beauty hidden beneath the surface. With his watercolour art, artist Bo Lundwall has lovingly and masterfully illustrated bladderwrack, blue mussel, three-spined stickleback, and jellyfish,” says Johanna Finne, design manager at Åland Post Stamps.

A tribute to Baltic Sea diversity

Portrayed on the new franking labels are four fascinating species of the Baltic Sea.

Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) is the largest algae of the Baltic Sea, and it stands upright in the water thanks to its air bladders. Bladderwrack belts are sometimes referred to as the "forest of the Baltic Sea", offering shelter and food to many other species.

The blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) also plays a significant role in the ecosystem of the Baltic Sea, and their presence is a good indicator of the health of the marine environment. The blue mussel has a triangular shell, the colour of which shifts from dark blue to black. The mussels that live in the Baltic Sea are a cross between two marine species and grow to only 1–4 cm long due to the low salinity.

The jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) is a native species of the Baltic Sea, a pale pink, translucent jellyfish that is almost 100% water. The thin, threadlike tentacles lining the bell margin are equipped with stinging cells (nematocysts) that help the jellyfish capture zooplankton. The circular gonads seen through the top of the bell are reproductive glands.

The three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) is a small fish which grows to 4–10 cm in length and can be recognized by its three sharp spines on its back in front of the dorsal fin. The male stickleback acquires a red mating costume during the June breeding season, and he is the one who builds a nest on the seabed and takes care of the eggs until they hatch.

Lifelike illustrations by Bo Lundwall

With his usual attention to detail, Bo Lundwall, an expert illustrator of animals and nature, has studied the species in their natural habitat and created true-to-life and vivid portraits of the four organisms, from the shifting hues and branching form of the bladderwrack to the translucent and ethereal jellyfish.

He describes his work with the species as both challenging and rewarding.

”All four species were new to me, and it was a particular challenge to portray them in their underwater habitat. I received valuable help to study jellyfish, mussels, and sticklebacks at the Tjärnö Marine Laboratory outside Strömstad and the Baltic Sea Science Center at Skansen in Stockholm. Observing the species in their environment and talking to the biologists about their characteristics is always rewarding,” Bo says.

Order series of franking labels featuring Treasures of the sea

This issue consists of four self-adhesive franking labels completed by a first day cover and a maximum card. Together they form a whole that celebrates life in our seas. Please note that the franking labels are only sold as a strip of all four motifs in the webshop.

Secure your franking labels today and let these works of art become part of your collection. Order franking labels, first day cover and maximum card.