Coalition Blog

Dan and Kevin chat with Kolby LaBree of Bellinghistory Good Time Girls, and Anna Booker, History Instructor with Whatcom Community College, about the Georgia Pacific plant and its effect on Bellingham and Whatcom County. Part 1 of 2.

Dan and Kevin share economic news from the Port of Bellingham, and Beth Pielert, co-director of "Salmon People: Preserving a Way of Life" discusses the new film by Children of the Setting Sun.

Dan visits Pacific Marine Expo and hears from the voices on the floor.

This guest submission post from Tiel and Phil Riise of Seaview Boatyard details new improvements to the Seaview Fairhaven location, and whats next for Seaview on the horizon.

This week, the Coalition wraps the National Working Waterfront conference in San Diego, Dept. of Ecology and the Port begin the clean up operations at the Harris St. Shipyard in Fairhaven, the Ballard Locks get some long-needed maintenance, the Port releases their economic Development Progress Report, Seaview Boatyard shares a highlight of what's next for their locations in Bellingham, Tide to Table tickets go on sale, and new proposed rules for the Dungeness crab fishery are open to public review.

Hullwork - February, 2025

This week, the Working Waterfront Coalition will be attending Maritime Day, Norwegian Delegation of Blue Tech innovators visits in Seattle, Maritime WA National Heritage Area posts Advocacy Workshop online, Bellingham Seafeast Vendor Applications are open, maritime education op-ed details local efforts, Alaskan fisheries op-ed details a sea of troubles, and several important dates to save are coming up fast!

This week, Fishery Friendly Climate Action releases their research and report on conditions to transition the fishing fleets to a low carbon future, Marine Refrigeration courses come to Bellingham, the National Working Waterfront Network offers an internship opportunity, Urban Ocean Lab releases a study guide to preserving working waterfronts, Corvus Energy wins a bid to electrify another ferry system, and the FISHES Act is signed into law.

Fishery Friendly Climate Action Released their report on Transitioning to a Low Carbon Fishing Fleet this week, with strategies and details on the industry and how it can interface with changing regulation and grant opportunities, what is important to those in the industry, and what barriers to change exist for the industry.

This week, Wild Seafood Connection returns, Marine Trades impact study is released, WA Sea Grant offers skills & drills trainings, public comment sought on new hydrogen production facility, new technology pioneered by Finland company Hycamite could allow ships to produce their own fuel underway, and several upcoming 2025 dates to save are highlighted.

Coalition Staff Report for 2025 New Year.

Port of Bellingham Releases new Marine Trades Economic Impact Study

The Port of Bellingham Releases their Economic Impact Study, Maritime WA has cool merchandise for sale, and the Coalition closes out our 2024, with a look ahead.

The Working Waterfront Coalition closes out 2024 with thanks to our amazing community, members, Board and volunteers. We look forward to the coming year!

This week, NOAA releases Coastal Inundation reports for employment in flood-prone areas, Crew Connections Mixer is coming up, NW Maritime Apprenticeship Program is highlighted in the Western Front, the Maritime Institute acquires Compass Courses, the Working Waterfront Coalition heads to a national conference, MarineLog offers an op-ed on US Shipbuilding, and the Pacific Marine Expo features a panel on workforce development and the next generation of fishermen.

This week, the team visits the Marine Life Center and Bellingham Dockside Market to get highlights from two local places where you can connect directly to your waterfront.

This week, AI boosts Alaska Pollock assessments, Crew Connections Mixer connects captains to crews, NW Maritime Apprenticeship Program celebrates National Apprenticeship Month, maritime safety improves with wearable technology, WA king tides program invites public photos, Pacific Marine Expo kicks off in Seattle, the Port hosts the annual Port Holiday festival at the cruise terminal, All-American Marine partners with ABB for hybrid-electric catamaran, and the Port of Bellingham approves their 2025 Strategic Budget.

Dan sits down with Mark and Craig from Island Opportunity Charters, I-2117 fails to pass, Bellingham Seafeast wins awards, Port of Bellingham receives public comment on their budget, and Navigator's night with the CBC approaches.

This week, the F/V Alaskan Girl perseveres after a fire, an initiative affecting waterfront development fails to pass, Navigator's Night with the Community Boating Center approaches, we give a quick overview of this last Congress' working waterfront bills that we're following into a new Congress, the Port receives $1.5 million for the Clean Ports grant, commercial fisherman struggle with low pricing, the Port of Bellingham puts out RFPs for the 701/801 Roeder Avenue plot, and the Port's 2025 Strategic Budget received public comment yesterday, with another public hearing scheduled.

F/V Alaskan Girl suffered a fire on Oct 27th, and Captain Brannon Finney describes the perseverance of her crew.

This week, Paul Meyer sits down with Brian Gouran and Mike Hogan from the Port of Bellingham to discuss the ongoing clean up operations visible all around Bellingham Bay.

This week, the Port's ECAP program helps monitor the waterfront, Tacoma Blue Edge presents Digital Solutions for the maritime economy, Navigator's Night returns with Community Boating Center, US Reps Pingree & Murphy introduce bi-partisan disaster mitigation tax credits for working waterfronts, the Alaska Seafood Industry takes sharp hit in 2023, Hyundai makes an ammonia engine breakthrough, the Port's Strategic Budget for 2025 is released, and the Small Shipyard grant is at a crossroads.

The Port's Environmental Compliance Assessment Program helps to monitor and inform businesses on the waterfront regarding regulation, clean up, mitigation and their impacts. The goal is to keep tenants aware and help them be sustainable stewards of the waterfront. Sustainability Program Manager Adrienne Douglass-Scott talks about the program and what it does.

Dan hosts legislators and officials on the mainstage of Bellingham Seafeast to talk all things waterfront. Hear the challenges, and future of our waterfront development from the folks involved in policy and planning around it.

Bellingham SeaFeast hosts celebration on the waterfront, NW Maritime Center hosts winter workshops, Snow Crab fishery faces collapse, Maritime WA National Heritage Area Partner Info Session is coming up, Chinook bycatch closes Alaskan Gulf Whitefish fisheries, NOAA releases Seafood Strategy Implementation Plan, Drayton Harbor OysterFest approaches Oct 12th, this Saturday, and the Port of Bellingham releases public notice of the upcoming comment period for the Strategic Budget of 2025.

Dan visits the Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend, and talks to several participants on why they come each year, and what the festival means to them.

Jessica Gillis stops by for Day on the Bay promotions and highlights with Kevin & Dan.

Bellingham Shipping Terminal is open for tours, get ready for Bellingham SeaFeast, Fisher Poets come to Bellingham, Whatcom Watershed Information Network goes on Love Your Waterfront, Rum-Running in the San Juans, capturing carbon in the marine environment has congressional hearing, the National Working Waterfront Conference set for February, and WTA's harbor bus line is now live!

Susan Lindsay sits down with Cheryl Niles of Whatcom Watershed Information Network, and Dan attends the Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend, and chats with Loni Greninger of the Jamestown S'Klallum Tribe, and Belinda Joslin of the group "Women in Boatbuilding", an international organization that celebrates women in marine trades.

Plover is issued a no-sail order, Coalition President Lange Solberg gives an update, the Coalition and Foundation visit the Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend and Dockside Education Day, Bristol Bay Fishermen face struggles this season, Green Crabs still threaten WA coasts, the NW Apprenticeship Program welcomes new apprentices, the Working Waterfront Foundation offers a course for navigating employer assistance, National Fisherman talks fishing vessel modernization, and WTA starts waterfront bus service.

Lange Solberg, President of the Coalition, gives a fall update on the Coalition and the waterfront.

The Port of Bellingham has been awarded a $2.8 million grant for electrification of the Bellingham Shipping Terminal. This grant will reduce carbon emissions, support key climate goals in the Port’s Climate Action Strategy, and help position the Shipping Terminal as a long- term job-creator for Whatcom County and the cornerstone of a vibrant working waterfront.

Follow a waterfront travel itinerary to Blaine and Pt. Roberts, Richard Blumenthal publishes new Maritime Names of Washington book, Port contracts marketing firm to help with messaging, Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival approaches, dry-moorage space in Bellingham at a premium, Dockside Market Hosts Education Day, SE Alaska Trollers win in 9th District Court, and Blue Drinks Q3 is coming up Sept. 18th.

Dr. Alex Parker talks about the Astraeus Project's mission to provide fast, autonomous data collection at sea to aid in research, and Kevin & Dan highlight the news of WTA adding waterfront bus routes, and Day on the Bay features.

Port and WWC Accept DERA Funding, All-American Marine wins a new contract for cutting edge research vessel, RMI releases ZEF roadmap for WA shipping sector, Larrabee State Park officials reverse access decision, Sen. King proposes tax credits for working waterfronts, NWIRC hosts annual Cohort Kickoff, Blue Drinks Q3 meet up coming up, Port of Tacoma switches to R99 fuel, the Working Waterfront Health Trust is open for enrollment, and the Coalition's job board is free, contactless and designed for our community to use.

Susan LIndsey sits down with Renee LaCroix from the City of Bellingham to chat about the Little Squalicum Estuary project. Kevin and Dan highlight news and talk about Day on the Bay, Blue Drinks and the Lummi Reefnet Festival.

County seeks to sidestep Comp Plan Review Process, All-American MV Sea Change finally in operation,Bristol Bay Salmon are smallest weight on record, Access revoked for Larrabee to businesses after hours, Working Waterfront wins photo contest, Whatcom Chief project costs rise further than expected, and the Working Waterfront Health Trust offers competitive pooled-insurance plans for any qualifying marine trades company state-wide.

County Council seeks changes to permitted codes of use for the High Impact Industrial Areas north of Bellingham, in response to pressure from communities who are not familiar with existing permitting codes.

Bellingham Bay Outrigger Paddle Club This week's episode talks to Blanche Bybee from the Bellingham Bay Outrigger Paddle Club. Nicknamed 'BBOP' (bee-bop), Paul Meyer dives into the world of paddling Hawaiian-style in our very own bay. From the BBOP website: Established in 2011, Bellingham Bay Outrigger Paddlers (BBOP) has become a mainstay for helping to get our local communities out on the water. BBOP consists of co-ed competitive racing team, a co-ed recreational group and a youth program, all of which are dedicated to enjoying the beautiful Pacific Northwest ocean scenery. Outrigger canoes launch from the beautiful waterfront in Fairhaven at the Community Boat Center located at 555 Harris Avenue in Bellingham. ​ BBOP is a federally recognized 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and all donations are 100% tax deductible. We are 100% volunteer and member run. ​ BBOP membership is open to any person without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity and/or expression. Each summer, the Bellingham Bay Outrigger Paddlers ( www.bbop.us ) host a race event as part of the Pacific Northwest Outrigger Racing Canoe Association series. On Saturday, August 24th at Bloedel-Donovan Park, BBOP will host world-class paddlers as they compete in one of three race formats on Lake Whatcom. Teams competing here are training to race in the largest outrigger canoe race in the world, the Queen Liliuokalani in Kona, HI (8/31), the Catalina Crossing-U.S. Championships in SoCal (9/7), and other distance and changeout races around the globe! Escort boats needed! If you've never seen a changeout race, this is a great opportunity! The 18-mile “water-changeout” relay race down the length of the lake and back requires one escort boat per canoe. At intervals typically between 20 and 30 minutes, 2-3 paddlers jump out of the escort boat about 30 yards ahead of the racing canoe to wait briefly in the water and then exchange seats in the canoe by climbing in on the ama side (port-side outrigger), while the active paddlers jump out of the canoe to the right. The paddlers now in the water are picked up by the escort boat to await the next change. This is some of the most exciting and challenging racing in the paddling community! In order to host a successful race event, BBOP must receive a commitment from at least 10 local escort boats. This will be the first of its kind on our Lake Whatcom, so please consider being part of this brag-worthy event! The time commitment for each escort boat is roughly 8am -12pm, but festivities on shore will extend into the evening, including a free Hawaiian plate lunch, vendors area, games, and a beer garden. The recommended capacity of each escort boat should accommodate (at least) a dedicated operator, a change manager, and 3-4 paddlers. Please call, text or email for more information or to discuss your participation. They hope to secure all commitments by early August. Their race page is located at https://www.bbop.us/bbopchallenge Folks can also find information on their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BBOPinBellingham and on our Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/bellingham_bay_outrigger/ Check out Bellingham Bay Outriggers Paddle Club

Fire on the Hannah reduces capacity for the season, Whatcom County Council votes to bring industrial permitting moratorium into discussion, Bellingham Cold Storage expands into Skagit County, Green Crabs still invading Puget Sound, Skagit Salmon season extended, Day on the Bay coming to Bellingham, Port updates registration filing requirements.

The County Council considers rezoning industrial lands, I&J Waterway cleanup to begin, Plover receives final inspection prior to launching, ALFA runs mentorship for greenhorns at sea, the Young Mariner Training Association holds their annual golf tournament, Day on the Bay set for Sept. 28th, America's commitment to maritime highlighted, BC transitions away from open net-pens for salmon, Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship & HCT partner up, Port of Bellingham changes registration requirements, and Whatcom Water Week announces dates and opens applications for events.

Heidi Wasson, docent and curator of the Loggie Museum, discusses the history of the building and Helen Loggie's artwork, and Dan catches up with Fishboat Media on their recent Emmy award for Maritime Washington National Heritage Area's 'This is Maritime Washington' promotional film.

Maritime Economy Statistics Published from Bureau of Economic Analysis, Ferries Conference scheduled in Seattle, Northwest Innovation Resource Center cohort kick off scheduled June 27 in Everett, Bellingham Angel Investors opens Start Up Competition, Port hears comments on the Terminal Expansion project, Maritime Apprenticeship Program seeks cohorts. MWNHA wins emmy.

Kevin interviews Lindsey Gerhard with Bellingham Tourism about the Love Your Waterfront Passport program. Paul talks with Riley Stark on Kelp farming. Blue Drinks Q2 meet up coming up.

Northline Seafoods "Hannah" departs Bellingham bound for Alaska in ribbon cutting ceremony. Moondance Kayak offers exciting trips to Wildcat Cove, Congress seeks to bolster US Maritime dominance, Blue Drinks Q2 approaches, Holly St Landfill site walking tour with ReSources announced, Jansen Art center features Whatcom maritime this month.

The Hannah, Northline Seafood's new processing barge, departs for Alaska May 25th, and celebrated with a ribbon cutting at the Fairhaven Shipyard.

Blue Tech with Kirk Desler of Corvus Energy, and Zodiac's Centennial celebration 'Blue Tech' is a term that gets used a lot in describing our upcoming generation of maritime industries...but what is it? In this ongoing series, we're going to discuss what Blue Tech is, how we're seeing it manifest in the industry, and the people and players involved in innovating and exploring the processes and technology in our maritime sector. This week's episode features an interview with Corvus Energy Plant manager Kirk Desler on the company's projects here in Washington State. Corvus Energy builds battery and hybrid systems for electric vessels and is currently involved with Washington State Ferry projects to build new, hybrid-electric ferries. Hear from Kirk on what challenges they're solving and the future of electric propulsion here in the region. We're also excited to feature an interview this week with Calen Mehrer and Dana Raugi, Captain and Chief Mate on the Schooner Zodiac , as they discuss the first 100 years of the ship's operation at the mark of her centennial this last Sunday, and the next 100 years of her sailing.

Schooner Zodiac celebrates centennial, Pumpout Washington, Fisheries Impact Study released for 2022, salmon prices announced, top 100 businesses whatcom business alliance, blue drinks Q2 meet up with dockside market.

Our discussion of Blue Tech continues with Sarah Schumann of Fishery Friendly Climate Action. Community Boating Center completes their wheelhouse campaign, Bellingham Seafeast launches Teeshirt design contest.