Waterfront Wednesday News

September 11, 2024

Bellingham SeaFeast & Day on the Bay on the Horizon

Bellingham SeaFeast merchandise, including the Kid's Design Tee-shirt with the winning design, are now available on BellinghamSeafeast.org.

Day on the Bay, and Bellingham SeaFeast are fast-approaching and several events for September are lining up to lead into the fall seafood festival. Bellingham SeaFeast is growing even more this year, and along with year-round programming and a brand-new event, Day on the Bay, there are food and festivities to attend during this month, as we celebrate Water Week and prepare for National Seafood Month in October.

Check out some of the fun and informative upcoming events, and plan your visit to Bellingham SeaFeast, via the link below:

Fall Issue of On the Waterfront Available

The Fall edition of On the Waterfront is now available on our website, as well as in print at several locations around the harbor and waterfront. Pick up your copy today at a waterfront news stand, or via the link below. 

This edition features Kirk Desler of Corvus Energy, alongside articles about the upcoming Pre-Apprenticeship Program, the 2024 Fisheries Report from Pete Granger, information on the upcoming Day on the Bay, and much more!

Plover Issued No-Sail Order

The Plover Ferry was set to return to service, but has been issued a no-sail order by the USCG.

The USCG issued a no-sail order for the historic Plover Ferry the last week of August. Part of the boat's stern detached during an exercise for training on August 25th.

The USCG inspected the damaged area on the 28th of August and issued the order, which will be a temporary suspension. To read more about the incident, read the story from The Northern Light below:

Coalition President's Fall Update

The Whatcom working waterfront. Photo: Steve Hardin

The Whatcom Working Waterfront President Lange Solberg gives an update on the Coalition and the endeavors we've been following over this summer. Read the update via the link below:

Coalition and Foundation Represent at Weekend Events

Deb Granger hosting knot-tying at Dockside Education Day. Photo: Pete Granger

The Coalition and Foundation visited the Wooden Boat Festival and the Bellingham Dockside Market Education Day this past weekend.  

The Foundation promoted the Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship Program and received a lot of inquiries and interest at the Wooden Boat Festival, alongside the Coalition and our Health Trust.

The Coalition and Foundation were also represented at the Dockside Market Education Day last weekend, with the public attending Dockside learning about organizations from all around Whatcom and beyond who are working on our shores and waters.

Coming up - look for us at Blue Drinks on Sept. 18th at the Community Boating Center, Day on the Bay on Sept. 28th, and Bellingham Seafeast Oct. 5-6th!

All of these events help promote an awareness of our maritime economy and our trades businesses, as well as create community connections to our waterfront and the folks who work on, in, and near our waters. The Coalition and Foundation send our thanks to all our community partners who helped us participate in these events, and we look forward to representing our Blue Economy in the future.

Bristol Bay Fishermen Faced Struggle, Difficulty this Season

Bristol Bay Fishermen are facing ongoing struggles with the cost of fishing and the revenue gained in the endeavor. The prices this season have not fared much better, and the National Fisherman details the difficulties via the article below:

Green Crab Invasion Still Threatens WA Coasts

Green crabs are still a growing concern.

Green Crabs, an invasive species, remain a significant threat to WA coast populations of native clam species, as KUOW highlights in this article from July 26th

US & Europe Tackle Emissions & Costs for Fishing Vessels

Cutaway diagram of alternative-fuel power in a fishing vessel. Graphic courtesy Elliot Bay Design Group.

The fishing industry has long faced the prospect of a slow transition to more sustainable fuels, and are often overlooked or underserved by grant opportunities, innovations, and planning that happens around land-based infrastructure or larger port infrastructure. The National Fisherman recently highlighted some of the efforts that both the United States and Europe are now undertaking to help the fishing fleets modernize and adapt.

Read the article at the link below:

WTA begins Waterfront Service on Sunday, Sept. 22

The proposed interim-service waterfront routes. Graphics courtesy WTA

The Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) will begin waterfront bus service on lines 46 & 47 beginning Sept. 22nd. The two routes, which service the the areas around Trackside, and all the way down to Squalicum Harbor from downtown, will help connect the Bellingham's Downtown to Bellingham's Waterfront as it also expands with new developments and new residents.

The Coalition helped advocate for the need for this service to begin, and the service enjoyed broad support from a range of interest groups, businesses, and community members. Mayor Kim Lund spoke in favor at an August meeting of the WTA board, highlighting the need in particular for live-aboard residents at Squalicum Harbor to have reliable transportation from the Harbor to Downtown.

The services will be interim until July 2025, when full service is expected to begin. Read about the upcoming lines via the link below:

NW Maritime Apprenticeship Welcomes New Apprentices

Apprentices during a hands-on workshop. Photo: Sierra Oliver

The Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship program held its program orientation over the weekend, welcoming seven new Level 1 apprentices to its Marine Service Technician training program. This marks an important step in addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the maritime industry. The program prioritized safety training from the outset. Robert Maw from Washington SeaGrant provided apprentices with crucial safety training including:

1. Fire extinguisher training
2. Personal Flotation Device (PFD) training

These initial safety courses ensure that apprentices are well-prepared for the unique challenges and responsibilities they'll face in maritime environments.

The Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship program aims to cultivate the next generation of skilled marine service technicians. By combining hands-on training with classroom instruction, the program prepares apprentices for successful careers in the maritime industry.

As these seven apprentices embark on their training, they're taking the first steps towards becoming vital contributors to the region's maritime sector.

For more information on the Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship program and future enrollment opportunities or how to become an Employer Sponsor, please contact information@waterfrontfoundation.org.

Navigating Free Employer Assistance Programs Open House

You're Invited to Navigating Free Employer Assistance Programs for Maritime Businesses. Stop-by and join WorkSource and the Northwest Workforce Council for an informative open house to discover valuable resources to support your maritime business and workforce while enjoying complimentary drinks and appetizers.

Date: September 30, 2024
Time: Open House from 5-7 p.m.
Location: Working Waterfront Offices, 708 Coho Way, Bellingham

Discover Programs Including:

1. Upskill Your Current Workforce
2. Work Experience (Intern) Training
3. On-the-Job Training
4. Work Opportunity Tax Credit
5. YesVets Program and Advantages to Hiring Veterans
   
   

Why Attend?

• Gain insights into cost-effective ways to enhance your workforce
• Learn about tax incentives and training programs
• Explore opportunities to support veterans in the maritime industry

You can also scan the QR code on our event flyer for quick access to event details. Hosted in partnership with Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County & Whatcom Working Waterfront Foundation. We look forward to helping you navigate free employer assistance programs to benefit your maritime business and strengthen our local workforce!

RSVP is appreciated but not required! For more information or to RSVP, please visit: 

Blue Drinks Q3 Networking Meet-Up

Join the Community Boating Center and Whatcom Working Waterfront this September 18th for Blue Drinks Q3 Meetup. Blue Drinks is a free, open-networking event for anyone interested in the waterfront. This quarter, we're featuring Jackie Dexter of Holdfast Mariculture as she talks about sea grass, seaweed, and cultivating life in our waters for habitat restoration and for harvest.

Registration not required, this event is free and open to the public.

Blue Drinks Q3 Meet Up
September 18th, 5:30-7:00pm
Community Boating Center
555 Harris Avenue, Bellingham