Waterfront Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Waterfront Wednesday News
October 29, 2025
Programs like the Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship Program run by the Working Waterfront Foundation are part of a growing network of 'Blue Schools' partners.
Blue Schools partnerships span coasts
The Whatcom Working Waterfront Foundation is part of a growing network of 'Blue Schools' initiatives, focusing on education, awareness, skill development, and collaboration to bring more maritime trades and marine education to students in K-12, creating pipelines to fill our next generation of marine trades workforce.
The effort in Washington, led by Northwest Maritime, recently formed a partnership across coasts with a similar effort in Maine to further the goals of bringing maritime workforce development into a new, reinvigorated era. Read more via the link below:
Seafood Accelerator &
Innovation Lab
Local Catch Network is excited to offer the Seafood Accelerator and Innovation Lab (SAIL) Catalyst and Mentorship programs for 2026. Applications for SAIL Catalyst open today, October 20th through November 23rd. They will accept up to 15 participants for the 2026 cohort.
SAIL Catalyst is a nation-wide, producer-centered business training program developed to help businesses build the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to sustain and/or grow their operations.
More information on the SAIL Mentorship Program will come soon, which will open for applications in late October. If you are interested in this program and would like more information, please check out the SAIL Happy Hour at the Summit, on November 10, from 5:30-6:30 PM in the the Cypress Room!
Interested in learning more about SAIL Catalyst? Join us for an information session on October 29th at 2:00 pm ET - register below or through the Local Catch Network’s Community Discussions webpage. For full program information visit our SAIL Catalyst webpage or contact Jessica Gribbon Joyce (info@localcatch.org) with questions.
Sunset in Ugashik Bay. Photo: Matt Haramis
Commercial fishing vessels are a vital part of our economy in Whatcom. Photo: Dan Tucker
Public Survey for CEDS Open
CEDS Goals (Whatcom's 'Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy) are now posted and open for ideas and review from the public.
The Port of Bellingham and the Whatcom County CEDS Review
Committee invite you to share your experience and ideas for supporting and strengthening our regional economy. As they initiate the next CEDS update, they’re asking you and the rest of our community to help identify key issues and priorities for optimizing our region’s economic health over the next five years.
The survey will be open for responses for approximately 60 days (October 20, 2025 – December 20, 2025). The survey is designed to take approximately 15 minutes.
All voices are welcomed and encouraged. Thank you for your important input.
Planning Underway for Whatcom County CEDS
The Port of Bellingham has initiated the planning process for the 2027–2031 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), a five-year strategic plan that outlines regional economic development goals, priorities, and actions for Whatcom County, Washington. Developed in partnership with local stakeholders - including governments, businesses, tribal representatives, and community members - the CEDS guides long-term economic growth and resilience across the region.
The CEDS is a federally recognized planning document that provides a shared vision for economic development in Whatcom County. Maintaining an up-to-date CEDS is essential for the region to be eligible for funding opportunities through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), the Washington State Department of Commerce, and other sources. More than a compliance requirement, the CEDS ensures that economic initiatives are coordinated, strategic, and aligned with community needs.
The 2027–2031 CEDS update builds on the progress and insights gained from the current 2022–2026 CEDS Strategy, which was led by the Port’s economic development division and guided by the CEDS External Review Committee - comprising representatives from all jurisdictions in Whatcom County.
Port Releases Draft Budget
for Review
The Port is pleased to present a 2026 Draft Strategic Budget supporting the Port's mission to promote sustainable economic development, optimize transportation gateways, and manage publicly owned land and facilities to benefit Whatcom County.
On October 21st there will be a Port staff presentation on the 2026 Draft Strategic Budget which includes a proposed property tax levy. On November 4th there will be a public hearing to receive public comment on the draft budget. Then, November 18th, the Port Commission is expected to formally adopt the 2026 budget. All meetings will take place starting at 4 pm in the Port Commission chambers located at 1801 Roeder Avenue in Bellingham, WA. Video of Port Commission meetings is live streamed and archived on the Port's You Tube Channel, and people are welcome to submit public comments in person or online over Zoom.
Please contact the Port at 360.676.2500 or by email at info@portofbellingham.com if you have any questions about how to submit comments or watch the Commission meetings.
WA Fisherman's Convention
coming December 4-8
Westport — The first-ever Washington Fishermen’s Convention is coming to Westport this Fall, aimed at unifying and celebrating the state’s diverse fishing industry while bringing new and prospective fishermen into the fold. The Convention will take place December 4-8, 2025. Current and aspiring fishermen can register on the Washington Sea Grant event page.
Hosted by Washington Sea Grant with funding from the Young Fishermen’s Development Act, and planned by an advisory committee of commercial fishermen, the Washington Fishermen’s Convention will bring together experienced commercial fishermen, those new to the industry, and those hoping to enter it, with something to offer everyone in the community. Fishermen can participate in whichever way makes sense for them, with up to five days of learning and networking opportunities available as well as a two-day conference and individually priced training sessions. Commercial fishermen receive a discounted price on trainings, and scholarships and industry-funded conference tickets for new fishermen are available.
“Our hope is that the Washington Fishermen’s Convention will bring together our diverse fishing sectors, different generations of fishermen, and those with decades of experience along with new fishermen for a few days of workforce development and social connection,” says Bridget Trosin, Washington Sea Grant fisheries and boating team lead. “Our commercial fishermen are an important part of Washington’s maritime culture, and we need more of them.”
Read more via the press release and info page below:
Convention offerings are as follows:
- December 4-5: Drill Instructor and Fishermen First Aid and Safety Training – U.S. Coast Guard-approved trainings to conduct drills and help to keep crews safe at sea.
- December 6-7: Washington Fishermen’s Conference – Multi-track educational and networking conference and community meals for both new and experienced fishermen. Topics include hands-on knot tying and gear repair, finance and insurance technical assistance, crew/captain matchmaking, and more.
- December 8: Sea Trial – Participants test their seaworthiness on a commercial fishing vessel.
All of the Convention’s offerings will take place in Westport, Washington at The Siren (421 Neddie Rose Dr) and McCausland Hall (2200 Nyhus St N).
Local Master Mariner tells tale of historic achievements
Bellingham Cruise Terminal
October 30,1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Retired Master Mariner Deborah Dempsey illuminates the history of women mariners as she shares her experiences in the merchant marine and in her recreational endeavors at sea. Using stories, photos, and memorabilia, she provides historic context for a 50-year career that includes a gender barrier-breaking string of accomplishments:
- First woman to graduate from a maritime or any service academy (Maine Maritime Academy).
- First woman to command a cargo ship on international waters.
- First woman to be licensed as master mariner in America.
- The only woman among nine ship captains to earn the U.S. Navy's Meritorious Public Service Award during the Persian Gulf War.
- The only woman to serve as a Columbia River Bar Pilot, guiding ships across the notoriously dangerous river bar.
Following her presentation, Dempsey is joined by Bryan Rust, Executive Director of Bellingham's Community Boating Center, which Dempsey cofounded in 2006. They describe how the BCBC serves our community with educational programs and instruction on small-watercraft operation, access, safety, and marine stewardship.
As Dempsey relates her experiences and adventures, expect to be fascinated by this inspiring slice of American feminist history.
Registration is required. This presentation is part of the Life-Long Learning Center at Western Washington University.
$24 for members, $32 for non-members
Master Mariner Deb Dempsey ascends a Jacobs ladder to pilot a vessel into port.
Navigator's Night on the horizon
Join us for Navigators’ Night — an evening of storytelling, community, and connection. Come hear from the voices that make this place what it is: our paddlers, our sailors, our youth and our friends.
This year, we're investing in the fleet, because as we close out another record-breaking season, it's clear the CBC has become an community staple - and we're not going anywhere. Each new hull is a promise — to ensure that Bellingham Bay remains open, welcoming, and alive for generations to come. Help us be part of that legacy as we raise the sails once more.
Sound Industrial Alliance Launches
Originally conceived as the Manufacturing Maritime Industrial Association (MMIA) the Sound Industrial Alliance (SIA) is a 501c(4) nonprofit stewardship organization dedicated to strengthening Seattle’s manufacturing, maritime, logistics, and industrial sectors.
The Coalition extends a warm welcome to SIA as partners across our region step up to promote the maritime trades and industry in their communities.
Join the SIA at their upcoming launch party this afternoon, featuring the Mayor and a Port of Seattle Commissioner speaking about the need for industry cooperation.
SOUND INDUSTRIAL ALLIANCE LAUNCH PARTY
OCTOBER 29TH, 4:00PM - 7:00PM
4105 Seattle | 4105 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA 98108
RSVP today to connect with industry leaders, elected officials, and the innovators driving Seattle’s industrial economy.
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:
Nov 4th - Board of Commissioner's Open Public Meeting
Nov 18th - Board of Commissioner's Open Public Meeting
Past Meeting Information
YouTube Link:
Oct 21
- Board of Commissioner's Open Public Meeting
Recent Minutes Posted:
Oct 7 - Board of Commissioner's Minutes
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:
Nov 6th, 5-8pm - Bellingham Cruise Terminal
Join us for Navigators’ Night — an evening of storytelling, community, and connection. Come hear from the voices that make this place what it is: our paddlers, our sailors, our youth and our friends.
This year, we're investing in the fleet, because as we close out another record-breaking season, it's clear the CBC has become an community staple - and we're not going anywhere. Each new hull is a promise — to ensure that Bellingham Bay remains open, welcoming, and alive for generations to come. Help us be part of that legacy as we raise the sails once more.
Dec. 4-8, Westport, WA
The Washington Fishermen’s Convention aims to unify and celebrate our state’s fishing industry, with something to offer everyone in the community. The Convention will be an up-to five-day learning and networking opportunity for both new and experienced fishermen.
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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