Waterfront Wednesday July 9, 2025
Waterfront Wednesday News
July 9, 2025
Dept of Ecology opens comments for Weldcraft Steel & Marine Clean Up
The Department of Ecology invites you to review and comment on the following documents related to the Weldcraft Steel and Marine cleanup site (www.go.ecology.wa.gov/WeldcraftSteel) on the Bellingham Bay waterfront.
- Draft Cleanup Action Plan: Ecology’s plan describing the cleanup work to address contamination at the site.
- Agreed Order: Legal agreement between Ecology and the Port of Bellingham requiring the Port to implement the cleanup action plan.
- State Environmental Policy Act – Determination of Non-Significance: Ecology’s determination that the cleanup work is not likely to harm the environment.
- Public Participation Plan: Describes how Ecology will inform the community about site activities and ways to become involved.
Review starts: June 30, 2025, 12:00 a.m.
Review ends: July 30, 2025, 11:59 p.m.
Weldcraft Steel & Marine circa 2004. Photo: Dept. of Ecology
Northwest Seaport Alliance releases Economic Impact Study
[Port of Seattle] - A new regional economic impact analysis shows The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), the Port of Tacoma, and the Port of Seattle continue to be primary drivers of the regional and state economy, supporting more than 265,000 jobs in 2023. Together, the organizations generated $17.7 billion in wages and benefits and nearly $55 billion in business output.
The report offers a comprehensive, regional look across the Seattle-Tacoma gateway including marine cargo, aviation, real estate, commercial fishing, and the cruise industry. This is the first time that all lines of business have been evaluated together.
It includes an analysis of direct jobs — such as longshore workers, truck drivers, and airport employees — as well as capturing a comprehensive snapshot of both indirect jobs and induced economic benefit. Together, these represent the collective impact of port activities, demonstrating the amplifying economic effect the three organizations have across the region.
WA Governor selects Florida to build new ferries
There were only two bids for the new state ferries in WA and the Governor has made the selection to build the new ferries with a Florida-based company. The decision has created some controversy, and you can read more via the link below:
Hybrid Ferry Diagram. Source: WA State Ferries (Mark Nowlin/Seattle Times)
Mark Riedesel and April Dayton in the new Barlean's location. Photo: Jenny Foertsch
Barleans Fishery officially opens at Squalicum Harbor
After months of hard work, late nights, and a whole lot of elbow grease, Barlean’s Fishery is officially open at their new location on the Bellingham waterfront! Owners Mark Riedesel and April Dayton have brought the heart of the operation dockside, and our Ferndale location is now permanently closed. You’ll now find them at 2551 Roeder Avenue, in the old City Mac building.
In addition to offering the same high-quality, locally caught seafood you know and love — including troll-caught salmon, live crab, oysters, lingcod, and more — they’re proud to feature a curated collection of locally made maritime art and other goods. Come visit the new space, meet the crew, and experience a true working waterfront fishery rooted in sustainability and community.
Find out more info at BarleansFishery.com
Buoyant Beginnings Begins
Whatcom County's first-ever marine-technician pre-apprenticeship program kicked off in Squalicum Harbor this month at the Working Waterfront Offices.
The program serves 18-29 year old pre-apprentices who are under-employed or unemployed. They'll learn job skills, employability skills, and get the chance to visit job sites and do job shadowing over the course of the 6-week program.
Program Director Sierra Oliver says, "Communication builds trust," as she highlights social and soft-skills necessary to excel in the workplace during the Communications lesson plan today.
There are 16 pre-apprentices signed up for this inaugural class, and the program will occur each summer with curriculum designed by Quadrant Marine in British Columbia, who also help provide curriculum for the regular Maritime Apprenticeship Program run by the Working Waterfront Foundation.
Find out more at www.waterfrontfoundation.org
Pre-apprentices tour Bellingham Cold Storage. Photo: Deb Granger
LFS to celebrate 1st annual
Squalicum Block Party
The 1st Annual Squalicum Harbor Block Party, hosted by LFS, will happen July 23rd, and the community is invited to come out and celebrate our maritime economy, from fishing to recreation, with LFS and partner organizations.
Remote radio will be on site, with hot dog grilling, vendor booths, deals, and fun!
The Coalition will be hosting a booth at the event, alongside Bellingham Seafeast and others.
We hope to see you there!
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:
July 15th - Board of Commissioner's Open Public Meeting
Past Meeting Information
YouTube Link:
June 17- Board of Commissioner's Open Public Meeting
Recent Minutes Posted:
June 3 - Board of Commissioner's Minutes
Upcoming Waterfront & Coalition Events
Waterfront Events:
Outboard Maintenance 102 - Bosun's Workshop
July 12, 12-3:00 p.m., Fairhaven
Join Bosun's Workshop for a primer workshop on basic outboard maintenance. Continue on the foundations from the 101 course. This workshop is hosted by Calen Mehrer, Captain of Schooner Zodiac. To inquire or reserve a spot, email info@bosunsworkshop.org
LFS Squalicum Block Party
July 23, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
LFS is hosting their 1st annual Squalicum community block party on July 23rd at the head of Squalicum Harbor! Drop by for vendor deals, booths, food, and more! This annual celebration seeks to highlight the community that helps to support LFS and our working & recreational waterfront.
Knife Sharpening - Bosun's Workshop
August 12, 6-9:00 p.m., Fairhaven
Join Bosun's Workshop for a knife-sharpening workshop. Learn the different types of blades, how to sharpen them, and best tips and tricks to keep your cutting tools ready. This workshop is hosted by Calen Mehrer, Captain of Schooner Zodiac. To inquire or reserve a spot, email info@bosunsworkshop.org
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 2024 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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