Waterfront Wednesday News

April 24, 2024

Tide to Table '24 Surpasses Gala Goals

Alaskan Salmon Struggle Continues

Salmon Species. Graphic courtesy AlaskanSeafood.org

The U.S. seafood industry continues to reel from market situations, geopolitical issues, and more.  Processors, fishermen, and businesses are consolidating operations, struggling to upgrade equipment, and our elected leaders are at an impasse for getting help to the industry.

Read more about the recent updates to how the sector continues onward amidst the market turmoil:

Marine Trades Career Exploration and Job Fair Approaches

The Port of Bellingham is hosting its annual Marine Trades Career and Job Exploration Fair on May 9th, from 10-1pm at the Fisherman's Pavilion in Squalicum Harbor.

Join over 3 dozen participating vendors and businesses as they showcase the work and opportunities available along our shores. This is a great chance for young people interested in career paths outside of college to get networked and connected to a thriving sector. If you're looking to switch careers, or start anew, this fair is also for you, and hosts networking benefits for career-seekers of any age.

If you're interested to attend and have questions, please contact Carey Hansen at the Port of Bellingham: careyh@portofbellingham.com

This year's fair will feature fun activities, such as knot-tying, XtraTuf boot stomps, "meet-your-mariner" sessions, dock tours and more - we hope to see you at this fun, interactive and informative fair!

Opening Day Approaches

The Coalition extends our wishes for all of our commercial fishermen, tenders, and processors to have a safe and bountiful season.

Opening Day in Bellingham launches on Sat., May 4, 2024. 

The recreational boating activities conducted by the Bellingham Yacht Club and the Public Ceremony are happening Saturday, May 4th from 10:45 to 11:45. Join the fun, merriment, festivities and boat parade in this annual celebration of the summer season.

These annual spring activities showcase the important endeavors of commercial fishermen, sailors, yachters, marine trades and all who work and play on the water as we gear up for summer adventures. Whatcom's boatyards are buzzing with preparations for summer endeavors, busy with haulouts, repairs, painting and launching vessels for the start of what looks to be a warm, sunny summer.

The Whatcom Fishermen's Association, Port of Bellingham, and our commercial fishing fleet mark the beginning of the summer fishing seasons with the annual Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony and Celebration. The Ceremony will be held at 11:00am, May 11th.  It is a time to remember that bringing home the seafood and products we enjoy throughout the year is not without challenge or peril and that our unique source of livelihood here in the Northwest is one worthy of our respect.

The Coalition would like to send a heartfelt thank you to all of our commercial fishermen, processors, tenders, recreational boating companies, and those who service and maintain the boats and equipment. We wish you smooth seas, abundant harvests, safe returns, and a memorable season. 

CYC Hosts Dance for CBC

Photo courtesy Community Boating Center

[Corinthian Yacht Club via Facebook] - The Corinthian Yacht Club's annual benefit dance for the Community Boating Center returns April 27!
Doors open at 6:30 and music by the Walrus starts at 8 pm. A "paddle auction," where you can donate any amount to benefit Bellingham's gem of a boating center, will be held around 9 pm during the band's break.

Beer, wine, water and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

Tickets are $25 per person online (recommended) or $30 at the door. Order ahead because the Elks Club can only hold so many sailors, kayakers and rockin' sea mammals! 

Upcoming Waterfront & Coalition Events