Waterfront Wednesday April 1, 2026
Waterfront Wednesday News
April 1, 2026
Jones Act Suspended for 60 Days
The Federal Administration suspended the Jones Act this month for 60 days in an attempt to alleviate impacts from the war with Iran.
The Jones Act ensures that American jobs and manufacturing are prioritized in coastal shipping routes by requiring U.S.-flag vessels (meaning they were constructed in the United States) to operate those routes, with 75% of the crew being U.S. citizens.
The act has been suspended in prior conflicts by various presidents, though each time a suspension happens, it can have ripple-effects in the market as international operators secure contracts that would have benefitted U.S. businesses and labor.
You can read more about the suspension below:
Workers in Fairhaven lay up interior sections of the barge 'Hannah', operated by Northline Seafoods. The Jones Act ensures domestic shipping routes use U.S. ships, and U.S. crews. Photo: Dan Tucker
A state ferry docks in Seattle. Photo: Wikipedia
Coalition forms
to return ferry-building
to Washington
At the March 17 Port of Bellingham Commissioner's meeting, Communications Director Mike Hogan presented a new effort to bring state ferry construction back to Washington.
The first three new state ferry contracts were awarded to Florida after only one shipyard in Washington submitted a bid that was 30% higher than competing bids from other states.
The Maritime Industrial Base Coalition is comprised of major Port authorities in Washington, headed by the Washington Public Ports Association, and aims to address the underlying issues that led to Washington's shipbuilders not having competitive offers with the goal to have the following ferry contracts awarded to in-state operations.
The Port of Bellingham is joining that Coalition. The Working Waterfront Coalition has been briefed on the group and will be involved as a stakeholder.
You can read about the initiative here:
Tide to Table Tickets On Sale
Tickets are now on sale for the 8th annual Tide to Table - a celebration of the seafood our Salish Sea and commercial fishermen provide.
This year the Working Waterfront Coalition is excited to host the event at the Bellingham Yacht Club featuring a down-home seafood boil by Drayton Harbor Oyster Company and Bellingham Dockside Market vendors sharing their favorite appetizers.
Come dressed for our 'Yacht-Rock' theme this year or in your cozy 'Fisherman-Core' aesthetic, or come as you are to help support the work the Coalition does in promoting the vitality of our working waterfronts.
We'll host a fun live auction and raffle, our ever-popular dessert dash, and a paddle-raise for the Working Waterfront Foundation's Apprenticeship and Pre-apprenticeship.
Seats are selling quickly, so get your tickets today and dive into delicious seafood cooked by local vendors and join us for a seafood-boilin' good time!
Trainees work on survival and safety skills with WA Sea Grant training programs. Photo: Robert Maw
Sea Safety & Survival Training
coming to Bellingham
Washington Sea Grant is holding a combined Sea Safety and Survival (Drill Instructor) and Fishermen First Aid and Safety Training (FFAST) in Bellingham.
The Coast Guard-approved Sea Safety and Survival course meets the training requirements of the Commercial Fishing Safety Act to conduct drills. Coursework combines lectures and hands-on experience with the safety and survival equipment that is now required for commercial fishing vessels. Participants will learn about emergency procedures and will be trained to develop appropriate emergency drills for their own vessels.
The Fisherman First Aid and Safety Training was built to help commercial fishermen prevent and treat injuries they may encounter at sea. It takes into account the small crews, common injuries, vessel environments, cold water, rough seas, and delayed emergency response times typical to Pacific Northwest fisheries. Successful completion of this course will fulfill the Coast Guard requirements for CPR and AED basic first aid.
Captains and boat owners are encouraged to bring their whole crew!
When:
April 15-17, 2026
8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Where:
708 Coho Way
Bellingham, WA
Fee:
$200 ($100 for commercial fishermen)
Tide Talks hosts Harris Bay History
Back by popular demand!
- Harris Bay History - Repeat Event! April 16th 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Kolby LaBree will present History of Harris Bay in Bellingham Washington, featuring early stories of waterfront life on the shores of today's Fairhaven Historic District.
Tide Talks are hosted by the Community Boating Center, and made possible by Maritime Washington (https://maritimewa.org/)
What's included
- Presentation by a featured speaker
- Community discussion and audience Q&A
Highlights
- Local maritime knowledge and history presented by subject-matter experts
- Opportunities for community discussion and audience questions
- Casual indoor setting ideal for connecting with your community and water enthusiasts
The Maritime|253 training center under construction in Tacoma. Photo: Port of Tacoma
Port of Tacoma set to open Maritime Center
The Port of Tacoma is progressing on a project to build a maritime skills and training center on the waterfront which will open this Fall.
The campus is designed to train upcoming generations in maritime trades and industry in career-focused curriculum to help create pipelines to fill the need for skilled workers that trades industries are struggling to find.
The center represents an investment from Port of Tacoma in skills and workforce development, and a partnership between the Port and the public school district.
You can read about the facility, called "Maritime|253", below:
Dept. of Ecology seeks public comment on Westman Marine site
The Department of Ecology (DOE) is overseeing the cleanup of the Westman Marine site located at 218 McMillan Avenue in the Blaine Harbor industrial area. The Port of Bellingham is the 'Potentially Liable Person' (PLP) cleaning up the site.
DOE invites you to review and comment on the following documents for the cleanup of the Westman Marine site during the comment period from
March 23, 12:00 a.m. to April 21, 11:59 p.m., 2026:
- Consent Decree: Legal agreement between DOE and the Port of Bellingham requiring the Port to carry out the Cleanup Action Plan, which is DOE's plan for addressing contamination at the site.
- Updated Public Participation Plan: Describes how DOE will inform the community about the site activities and ways to become involved.
The public may request a meeting about the documents. DOE will consider requests and schedule a meeting when appropriate. To make a request, contact Kristen Forkeutis at Kristen.Forkeutis@ecy.wa.gov or 425-240-4353 before April 21, 2026.
Graphic: Dept. of Ecology
LFS Spring Fishing Seminars
Join us at the Fisherman's Pavilion for the LFS Spring Fishing Seminars! A full day of expert advice, practical tips, and insider knowledge to get you ready for a successful fishing season. Learn directly from LFS staff and trusted community experts as they share techniques, local insights, and proven strategies for Pacific Northwest fishing.
Enjoy exclusive one-day-only savings with 20% off at the LFS retail location.
Stick around after each seminar for raffles and giveaways throughout the day, including great prizes from top fishing brands. Attendees will also have a chance to win two seats on a guided trip with our expert guides from Anglers Unlimited or Cause 4 Divorce Guide Service.
Free coffee and donuts will be available during the morning seminars, and free lunch is provided by LFS in the afternoon.
Whether you’re new to fishing or looking to sharpen your skills, these seminars are designed to educate, inspire, and connect our local fishing community. Come learn, shop, eat, and win with us at LFS.
LFS Spring Fishing Seminars
Saturday, April 25
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Fishermen's Pavilion in Squalicum Harbor
Pre-Apprenticeship registration opens
Buoyant Beginnings Pre-apprenticeship, a 6-week, paid summer program offers the opportunity to explore, gain basic skills, and prepare yourself to enter the exciting world of working in, on and around our waters. The 6-week program includes:
- Professional workplace behaviors & employment readiness
- Safety and marine trades technical skills
- Cultural learning and service project
- Workplace tours and job shadows
- 2-week Work Experience at a local marine trades company
Details:
Schedule: July 6 – August 14, M-F, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: 708 Coho Way, Bellingham, WA 98225. 2-week work experience daily hours varies depending on employer.
Participants will receive a stipend for participating in the program.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Age 18-29
- Resident of Whatcom and Skagit County
- Unemployed/Underemployed, not enrolled at a full-time school
Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
- Interviews: May 18 – May 29, 2026
- Response Notification: June 1, 2026
- Program Start Date: July 6, 2026
Port Commission Meetings
Port Commissioners Open Meetings are held at the Port Admin Offices and are open to the public. Check the Agenda Center (Linked on each meeting time below) for posted agendas. Agendas typically get posted a week in advance of the scheduled meeting. Two periods of public comment occur each meeting before and after the agenda items, as well as special public hearings as designated on the agendas.
Location: Port Admin Offices, 1801 Roeder Ave, Bellingham
Port of Bellingham Agenda Center (check here for updated agendas)
Upcoming Meetings:
April 14 - Board of Commissioners Open Public Meeting
April 21 - Board of Commissioners Open Public Meeting
Past Meeting Information
YouTube Link:
March. 17 - Board of Commissioner's Open Public Meeting
Recent Minutes Posted:
March 3 - Board of Commissioner's Open Public Meeting
Want to get the highlights from each meeting on our maritime trades and marine-related topics? Join the Coalition as a member to get access to Commissioner meeting briefs, available on the member page of our website! Join us and add your voice to the waterfront discussion HERE.
Upcoming Waterfront & Coalition Events
Waterfront Events:
Tide Talk : Harris Bay History with Kolby LaBree.
Community Boating Center, March 19th 6:30pm - 7:30pm
April 16th 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Kolby LaBree will present History of Harris Bay in Bellingham Washington, featuring early stories of waterfront life on the shores of today's Fairhaven Historic District. This program is brought to you by Bellinghistory with the Good Time Girls, Maritime Washington and the Community Boating Center.
Fisherman's Pavilion, April 25th
Join us at the Fisherman's Pavilion for the LFS Spring Fishing Seminars! A full day of expert advice, practical tips, and insider knowledge to get you ready for a successful fishing season. Learn directly from LFS staff and trusted community experts as they share techniques, local insights, and proven strategies for Pacific Northwest fishing.
Fisherman's Pavilion, April 28th
The Port of Bellingham and the Working Waterfront Coalition, Foundation, and several community partners and businesses will host a career-exploration day for local high school students at Fisherman's Pavilion. Students will have the chance to get hands-on with different marine-trades and vessel operations opportunities, and learn about the careers available in our maritime sector.
Opening Day at Community Boating Center
Community Boating Center, May 1st
Join the Community Boating Center in Fairhaven for a brand-new celebration of their opening day on May 1st. Get out on the water and experience the bay with your community. Paddle, row, sail, and have fun!
Coalition Events:
Are You Hiring? Use the Coalition Job Board
The Coalition's
Job Board is free, contactless, and easy! We designed this board for our commercial fishermen, marine trades industries and other waterfront jobs in mind, to act as a digital bulletin board for crew positions, contract hires, or regular employee spots that you want to have a digital space for.
If you have any questions on using it, reach out to our staff, info@whatcomworkingwaterfront.org. To submit a job posting, use the link below:
Affordable Health Benefits
for Statewide Maritime Companies
The Working Waterfront Health Trust provides affordable pooled insurance health plans for qualifying marine-trades businesses -
state-wide. The Trust launched two years ago, has grown steadily each year and provides a range of health plans to consider through Premera Blue Cross.
If you'd like to know more about the Health Trust, contact your insurance broker today and ask them about the Working Waterfront Health Trust. Fall is the peak time to meet with your broker to discuss options for your employees for 2025.
This newsletter sponsored by:
Alta-Gas
Premera
Copyright 2025 Waterfront Wednesdays by Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition
Waterfront Wednesday is a publication
of the Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition.
www.whatcomworkingwaterfront.org
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