About the Coalition

Our Waterfront Works

From developers wishing to locate residential and retail shops along our water’s edge, to tough environmental issues, our waterfronts experience extreme ongoing pressures. With shipyards giving way to condominiums, ship chandleries replaced by upscale boutiques, Whatcom County faced the impending realities of working waterfronts displaced by non-water-dependent development.


In 2014, a group of citizens met to advocate appropriately and effectively for the preservation and enhancement of our important waterfront sector. The Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County was formed and its all-volunteer leadership and members have worked hard to establish their credibility.  


Now, with a solid organizational structure ensuring wide representation, we are over 135 members strong, representing businesses and individuals keenly interested in preserving the health of our working waterfronts. Board and members meet regularly and work collaboratively with the Port of Bellingham, our local governments, and the broader community advocating for appropriate measures to ensure the continuation of a thriving working waterfront for all.


What is the Coalition?

 

Our Mission

To promote the economic diversity and vitality of a working waterfront to the people of Whatcom County.



Our Goals:


  • Communicate with one voice to improve understanding between maritime businesses and public entities.
  • Educate the community about the value of economic contributions, diversity, and heritage of Whatcom County’s working waterfronts. 
  • Share ideas to mutually preserve, promote, and enhance maritime businesses.
  • Claim for maritime businesses a place at the table in the waterfront planning and development process.
  • Promote a healthy shoreline through appropriate infrastructure and sustainable practices.



Banner Credit: Steve Hardin


Our Whatcom Waterfront Economy

6000+

JOBS IMPACTED

MILLIONS

IN ANNUAL REVENUE TO REGION

4.1%

OF TOTAL WHATCOM WORKFORCE

140+

MEMBERS OF THE COALITION

A COALITION OF MEMBERS

Our membership is our community

Our membership comes from all along our waterfronts and shores, and all over our county. They're business owners, vessel operators, tradesmen and women, and individuals just like you. They all share a desire to see our working waterfronts endure, and for our waterfronts to continue to work for all.

MEMBER DIRECTORY

  • MARINE TRADES

    Our Marine Trades sector includes those who service our vessels, work on our engines, paint our hulls, and wire our electronics. They're the businesses and individuals who maintain and improve our waterfront infrastructure, and commercial vessels. 

  • SEAFOOD PROCESSORS

    These are the members who clean, process and package the fish and seafood that our fishers bring back home. From dressing to cold storage, these members make sure product arrives to you fresh, and ready for a good dinner.

  • CHARTER / BROKER / PASSENGER

    Charter / Broker / Passenger businesses provide tours, excursions, charters, and memorable experiences to all the visitors who come to the waterfront.

  • CHANDLERY / RETAIL

    The Chandlery & Retail sector provides the gear, outfitting, and tools to our bustling trades sector.

  • COMMERCIAL FISHING

    Our commercial fishing fleets are vital to our local economy and way of life in Whatcom County. Made of our members who trawl, troll, gillnet and purse-seine, these members bring the bounty of the sea home to you. Whether getting your next meal at Dockside Market, or dining at the fine restuarants along our shores, their work is something we all enjoy. 

  • SHIPYARDS / MANUFACTURING

    Our shipyards and manufacturing businesses haul out our vessels, build new boats, and manufacture the goods, equipment and infrastructure that go into them.  

  • ASSOCIATES

    Associate members are all our supporting businesses, organizations, non-profits and individuals who love our waterfront and value our maritime economy, who do not have 50 percent or more of their revenue tied to waterfront or water-access.

  • GENERAL MARITIME

    This category encompasses all of our commercial shipping, logistics, and transportation businesses and members, who do not fall under any other category.

COMMITTEES AT WORK

Our Committees are working hard

Our four committees work hard to help spread our message, develop our programming, liaise with various organizations and entities, and communicate with our members. If you're interested in being on a committee, message us today!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARE MEMBERS

A COALITION OF YOU

Our structure includes an all-volunteer Board of Directors with a President, VP, Treasurer and representatives from all the sectors of our maritime and waterfront economy. These volunteers work on all our behalf as elected positions that all Coalition members vote on. Your voice is heard in the Coalition, and we encourage our membership to get involved in our Board, attend meetings, and run for Board positions!


The Coalition also employs a paid staff to manage and run programming, provide logistical support and keep the daily business of the Coalition organized.

COALITION BOARD & STAFF

UPCOMING EVENTS

View All Events

WE ARE NEIGHBORS, FRIENDS AND PEERS

We live, work, and play here.

Our members are all residents of our region, many of them right here in Whatcom County. We're your neighbors, your friends and your peers that you see about town every day working at the businesses, shopping at the local stores, dining at the local restaurants and enjoying our public spaces, parks and beaches.

All of us recognize that in order to have a balanced and affordable quality of life, we must preserve the working aspects of our waterfronts from boat-building to kayak tours, and keep our shores clean and healthy so that we may all enjoy this wonderful resource and unique feature of Whatcom County.

Share by: