Fishing vessels in Squalicum Harbor. Photo: Dan Tucker

Alaska salmon harvests

near 185 million fish

National Fisherman magazine reports on the fishing results from this year's salmon harvest in Alaska, with counts totaling near 185 million fish. 

Read the full article at NationalFisherman.com:

Sunset in Ugashik Bay. Photo: Matt Harris

Blue Drinks Meet Up Next Week

Come down to the Community Boating Center on Wednesday, Sept. 24th (next week!) and meet others who share your interest in the waterfront. Whether you enjoy recreational boating, waterfront beaches, or are a skilled trades or maritime operator - Blue Drinks is the place to meet others who share your passion and interests for the place where our Salish Sea meets the land.

Blue Drinks Open Meet Up
Sept. 24th, 5:30pm

Community Boating Center, Fairhaven
555 Harris Avenue

This quarter's free, public meet-up features waterfront organizations that provide training and instruction on the water, conduct habitat restoration, clean-up, and community work. Hear from Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, Backcountry Medical Guides, NW Straits Commission, and Whatcom Watershed Information Network on the projects and work they do. After the organizations introduce themselves, we'll have open mingling for you meet them and other members of the community.

We hope to see you on the 24th for Blue Drinks to connect, learn, and share about our waterfronts!

Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship Welcomes New Apprentices, Prepares for First Graduating Class

The Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship has officially launched its fourth year with a new cohort of Level 1 apprentices beginning training this Fall. Over the next four years, these apprentices will receive comprehensive instruction, combining hands-on classroom education with 6,000 hours of paid, on-the-job training at their place of work. Graduates of the program earn a Journey-level Marine Service Technician Certification, equipping them with the skills required for careers in marine service and boatbuilding.

Since its launch in October 2022, the apprenticeship has worked to strengthen the region’s maritime workforce and provide clear pathways into maritime careers. The program’s inaugural class, which began in October 2022, is scheduled to graduate in Spring 2026. This milestone highlights the program’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce that meets the growing needs of Washington’s working waterfronts.

Level 4 Apprentices don their PFD and safety gear.
Photo: Sierra Oliver

The Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship partners with marine service companies in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island, San Juan, Kitsap, King, Clallam, and Jefferson County. Over 29 Subject Matter Experts provide comprehensive hands-on training for apprentices. Each year, the program continues to expand its reach and impact, helping ensure a strong future for the maritime industry.

For more information, visit https://www.waterfrontfoundation.org/ or contact information@waterfrontfoundation.org.

Past Meeting Information

YouTube Link:
Sept 9th- Board of Commissioner's Open Public Meeting

Recent Minutes Posted:
Sept 9th - Board of Commissioner's Minutes

Waterfront Events:

Whatcom Water Week

Sept. 13-21, Whatcom County

Whatcom Water Week is an annual community event that celebrates the water resources of Whatcom County. Water Week offers many different family-friendly events throughout the county with opportunities to have fun, learn, and make a difference. Learn More Here

Bellingham SeaFeast

Sept. 27 / 28

Bellingham SeaFeast was started to highlight the local bounty harvested from the pristine waters of the Pacific Northwest! Immersed in the beautiful waterfront of Bellingham, SeaFeast offers unique opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich maritime culture that defines our coastal haven through a delectable selection of seafood.

Blaine Seaside Bash & Oysterfest

Oct. 11th, Blaine, WA

Don’t Miss the Food, Fun, and Festivities by the Sea on October 11th in Downtown Blaine! Get ready to experience the ultimate family-friendly celebration at the OysterFest & Seaside Bash in Blaine--by-the-Sea. This vibrant event welcomes guests from both sides of the border for a weekend packed with laughter, community, connection, and seaside fun.

One-Ocean Week

Oct 20-26 - Seattle

One Ocean Week Seattle is a region-wide, international gathering of ocean leaders, innovators, researchers, startups, policymakers, artists, educators, and communities to accelerate solutions for a sustainable, inclusive maritime future.

WA Fisherman's Convention

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.