Last Updated on March 6, 2023
Mote Marine Laboratory (MOTE) Founding Director and pioneering marine biologist, Dr. Eugenie Clark (1922-2015), affectionately known as the “Shark Lady,” was honored with a new commemorative Forever Stamp from the United States Postal Service.
Her distinguished career and significant contributions made her the perfect person to have their own postage stamp.
Eugenie Clark Commemorative Forever Stamp
“One of the goals of the Postal Service’s stamp program is to celebrate the people who represent the best of our nation. Eugenie Clark. I should say Dr. Eugenie Clark or the ‘Shark Lady’ — certainly deserves this recognition,” said Angela H. Curtis, the Postal Service’s vice president of delivery operations and dedicating official.
“She was a brilliant scientist whose groundbreaking work added to our understanding of sharks and marine environments.”
The First Day of Issuance ceremony of the Dr. Eugenie Clark Forever Stamp marked the launch of sales of 18 million stamps in post offices across the U.S.
The stamp art features a photo of Dr. Clark captured by National Geographic Society photographer David Doubilet. In addition, a photograph of a lemon shark with wavy blue elements in the background.
Stamp Ceremony
The ceremony took place at the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota. Dr. Eugenie Clark helped found Mote as the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory in 1955 on what would have been Dr. Clark’s 100th birthday (May 4th).
Multidisciplinary artist Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya designed the stamp. Antonio Alcalá was the art director.
Dr. Eugenie Clark’s Contributions to Science
Dr. Eugenie Clark spent her career tirelessly working to change the public perception of sharks. She also focused on preserving marine environments around the world.
Dr. Clark demonstrated that lemon sharks could be trained to do complex tasks. She disproved the notion that some shark species must keep swimming to survive.
Additionally, Dr. Eugenie Clark debunked myths about sharks as vicious, fearsome creatures.
Our family is thrilled to see Dr. Clark, or as we call her, Grandma Genie, recognized and honored on a stamp.
Her work as an ichthyologist was groundbreaking for proving that sharks are intelligent. She was a pioneer for female scientists, researchers, and scuba divers.
“We are so proud of her legacy as an Asian-American woman, teacher, scientist — and most importantly — grandmother,” said Aya Konstantinou, the daughter of Dr. Eugenie Clark.
Dr. Clark was a trailblazing woman with an unyielding curiosity that drove her passion.
She still inspires female scientists and anyone interested in marine science. She also offers a better understanding of sharks, shark species, and other fearsome creatures.
To learn more about the life of this brilliant scientist and her groundbreaking work, visit the Mote website.
The Shark Lady postage stamp is being sold in panes of 20 stamps. You may purchase the 58-cent commemorative stamps here.
You may purchase other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic, or at Post Office locations nationwide.
NOTE: The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses. It relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to fund its operations.
About MOTE
MOTE is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization made up of brilliant scientists, explorers and stewards of the ocean. Focused on research and education, they work to create a better environment for all.
They are an independent, nonprofit marine research institution. The world-class marine scientists are committed to the belief that our oceans’ conservation and sustainable use begins with research and education.
From their humble beginnings in a tiny, one-room laboratory in a small Florida town, their efforts have grown to include more than 20 diverse marine life research programs.
Originally focused on sharks, their marine biology research has expanded to include:
- Studies of human cancer using marine models
- The effects of human-made and natural toxic substances on humans and on the environment
- The health of wild fisheries
- Developing sustainable and successful fish restocking techniques and food production technologies
- The development of ocean technology to help us better understand the health of the environment.
Their research programs also focus on understanding the population dynamics of manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks and coral reefs. Additionally, it puts a spotlight on conservation and restoration efforts related to these species and ecosystems.
The ocean is MOTE’s passion.
Science is the catalyst to help the ocean heal, thrive and continue to be a haven of sustainable life, life-improving science, and life-giving solutions.
Address: 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236.
Hours: MOTE is open daily from 9:30 am – 5 pm.
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