Waterfront Wednesday News

June 5, 2024

Hannah Bound for Bristol Bay, Alaska

Northline CEO Ben Blakey and his three boys cut the ribbon together, launching the 'Hannah' to Alaska

Northline Seafood's barge, The Hannah, set sail from Bellingham for Bristol Bay, Alaska, Saturday, May 25. The barge has been under construction at the Fairhaven Shipyard, at the end of Harris Street for the last year, and her growing superstructure dominated the skyline at the dock adjacent to the Bellingham Cruise Terminal.

We wish all involved with the inaugural season for The Hannah a smooth and successful venture.



For photographs of the ship prior to launch and the ribbon-cutting, see the link to our blog post below:

Moondance Sea Kayak Adventures offering half-day Cove Trips

Explore Wildcat Cove in style. Photo: Sophia Rouches

Looking for a fun activity this summer to get out on the water? Moondance Sea Kayak Adventures offers a half-day Wildcat Cove exploration just 20 minutes from Bellingham. After a quick hands-on instruction for newcomers to gear and safety, take to the water in a 3-hour excursion. If time allows, hop ashore to check out the nature conservancy island or the beautiful beach as you check out the cove and see the wildlife and geography. A favorite of many, this tour is uniquely experienced via kayak. 

To check out the trip and see other tours on the water to get out and about this summer, see the link below:

Holly St Landfill Restoration Tour with RE Sources

Commercial fishing vessels at Squalicum Harbor. Photo: Dan Tucker

RE Sources is leading a community tour at the mouth of Whatcom Creek — the former Holly St. Landfill.  One of 12 Bellingham Bay cleanup sites contaminated with heavy metals from historic industrial activity, the state and local agencies are restoring for future use. Prior to European contact, this site was an estuary and mudflats.

Come learn from experts and scientists on the past, present and future of this piece of Bellingham’s waterfront. Hear from staff at the Department of Ecology, Port of Bellingham, and RE Sources about the site's future and get your questions answered. During this Ecology public comment period from June 3rd to July 3rd (details and comment submission HERE), you will also have the opportunity to ask your questions regarding how the Washington State Department of Ecology might address the contaminants.

Tour Date: Thursday, June 13th from 12:00–1:30pm. Meet at the Maritime Heritage Center, 1600 C St, Bellingham.
For more information, and to reserve your spot, follow the link below:

Jansen Art Center features Maritime Heritage

The Jansen Art Center is featuring Whatcom's maritime heritage this month, with original watercolor paintings by James R. Williamson. Visit and see his impressive works before June 22nd! For more information, see the link below:

Congress Seeks to Strengthen US Maritime Economy

Congress is keeping a weather eye on China as it publishes a new National Maritime Strategy aimed at bringing back US-flagged shipping and cargo operations and bolstering the US-based international maritime trade and commerce.

Read about the new strategy, its goals, and the report that spurned the action, via WorkBoat, below:

Blue Drinks 2nd Quarter Meet-Up

Blue Drinks is being hosted by the Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition for this quarter on June 12th, at 5:30p.m., at Structure's Brewing, 601 Holly St.

Blue Drinks is an open, free networking and information event that connects anyone who works, lives, or plays on our waterfronts.  Hear updates from community leaders and members on cool projects or developments, connect with others about events, learn about recent activities and news, and share your own waterfront stories or highlights.

This quarter, we'll hear from Cari Chan, Bellingham Dockside Market Coordinator. Cari will explain the goals of the market, how it works, future plans for growth, and how Bellingham Dockside Market connects our local commercial fishing families with our community.

Blue Drinks is free, so show up, learn, share and connect about our waterfronts.
Registration is not required, but helps us plan.  You may register via the link below:

Upcoming Waterfront & Coalition Events