Each year the members of the Association of European Postal Operators (PostEurop) issue stamps on a common theme, which in 2024 is underwater fauna & flora. The “EUROPA stamp” is one of the most popular themes for collectors and issues bearing the official logo are among the most sought-after new stamps. The miniature sheet consisting of two pairs of stamps was designed by the graphic artist Glória Hefelle of which 20,000 copies were produced by the banknote printing company Pénzjegynyomda Zrt.
The beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) was once the most noble and largest fish species in the Danube. The species is as old as the dinosaurs, dating back at least 200 million years. It can grow up to between 6 and 7 metres long and weigh up to one and a half tonnes. The beluga sturgeon no longer occurs in natural waters in Hungary. Its migration route from the Black Sea was cut off by the construction of the Iron Gates on a gorge in the river on the Serbian/Romanian border. Its flesh is first-class and its roe, from which caviar is made, is considered a delicacy.
The common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is native to Asia and eastern Europe, but it has been introduced elsewhere for breeding purposes and now occurs in freshwater in all parts of the world. It has an elongated body with a slightly flattened shape, while its shoulder varies in height. Its mouth protrudes at the end of its medium-sized head. The barbels at the corner of the mouth are its most distinctive feature.
Fish species native to Hungary, such as carp and the once abundant beluga sturgeon, can also be seen at the Lake Tisza Ecocentre, which was built in 2012 as a project of the Municipality of Poroszló co-funded by the European Union. The Ecocentre enables visitors to enter the unique world of Lake Tisza and experience the creatures native to Hungary close up in Europe’s largest freshwater aquarium. The main building, designed by Ybl Prize-winning architect László Kertai, symbolises a bird taking flight and offers views of the surrounding countryside from its 25.5 m tall observation tower.
The main elements of the two stamps of the special miniature sheet are a beluga sturgeon and a common carp, while there is a montage of other species of fish among aquatic vegetation in the design of the frame. The accompanying first day cover depicts the main building of the Lake Tisza Ecocentre. The imprint of the special postmark on the first day cover features a stylised composition of a catfish and aquatic plants.
