On October 1, 2009 Chad King (SIMoN Research Specialist) and Scott Chapman (SIMoN Web Developer) helped unveil the new "Nature of America: Kelp Forest" USPS stamp series at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Chad and Scott, both also Aquarium volunteer SCUBA divers, descended into the kelp forest tank upon cue, then revealed and affixed a large format mural of the stamp series panel to the inside of the exhibit windows. While underwater, Chad and Scott had an opportunity to talk to the audience and answer questions about kelp forests and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Dr. Steve Lonhart (SIMoN Senior Scientist) was contacted in June 2007 and served as the scientific editor. His involvement led to the USPS focusing on central California kelp forests and on the MBNMS in particular. The USPS also used the SIMoN photo library (http://www.sanctuarysimon.org/photos) as source material for artist John Dawson. One of Chad's photographs, a Pacific rock crab, is now immortalized as a stamp. Steve's efforts were recognized during the "first-day-of-issue" ceremony, which was attended by hundreds of people, including other MBNMS staff.

SIMoN photograph used in the Nature of America: Kelp Forest stamp series. [View source image]