Waterfront Wednesday Sept 3, 2025
Waterfront Wednesday News
September 3, 2025
Fishing vessels in Squalicum Harbor. Photo: Dan Tucker
NOAA Fisheries
Seeks Recommendations
NOAA Fisheries invites the public to comment and provide input on how to make American seafood more prevalent on American dining tables, as a result of an Executive Order issued on April 17, 2025 to restore American Seafood Competitiveness.
NOAA Fisheries is asking for your input on how to improve fisheries management and science. The comment period will be open via the link below until October 14, 2025.
Ocean Alkalinity Test
Observed by Fisherman
The first-ever test of altering the ocean's alkalinity in order to sequester and remove carbon from the atmosphere was conducted this last month, with a commercial fisherman observing to help guide scientists and researches on what to look for regarding impacts to industry from any ecological effects of the test. The idea is to combat ocean acidification by increasing alkalinity, while also capturing and catalyzing carbon into sodium-bicarobonate.
Sarah Schumann, commercial fisherman and head of "Fishery-Friendly Climate Action" was onboard for the test and wrote a detailed report on the project goals and early results. You may read the detailed after-action report below.
If you'd like to contribute to any of the conversations of Fishery-Friendly Climate Action, please contact our staff and we can connect you to the project.
R/V Connecticut on site during the test. Photo: Sarah Schumann
Read about Northline's plans for the Arrowac building, and join a salmon celebration this month!
Fall issue of
On the Waterfront released
Read the latest edition of 'On the Waterfront', the Coalition's tri-yearly print newsletter. You can catch copies around the waterfront and in select news-stands around town. You can also read the digital version online via the link below.
This edition features a highlight on Bellingham Cold Storage's transition to Lineage Logistics, a fisheries update, member spotlight, Port Commission candidate update, and special article on the
Hannah,
Northline Seafood's barge, as it returns to Fairhaven.
Check out the latest issue:
Waterfront Events Abound
Fall is busy time for our waterfront and maritime-related events. Below are a few that we recommend visiting for fun, info, and all things maritime.
- Experience the craft and beauty of wooden boats at North America's largest wooden boat festival! Learn from experts, and create unforgettable memories with your family at the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival!
2. Pinks to the People - Sat. Sept. 6 - Bellingham Dockside Market
- During September's Eat Local Month, celebrate the large Pink salmon run in the Salish Sea. Pink salmon are delicious, nutritious, and tend to be more affordable than other species of salmon. Think pink! Come down, learn how to fillet these salmon and how to cook easy menu ideas for your family!
3. Slammin' Salmon Social - Sept 14 - Bellingham
- FREE, family-friendly celebration as Northline Seafoods and Bellingham SeaFeast welcomes Puget Sound pink salmon, Northline Seafoods' vessel, the Hannah, and salmon processing back to Fairhaven's docks!
4. Bellingham SeaFeast - Sept 27-28 - Bellingham
- Visit Squalicum Harbor to celebrate our local seafood, maritime heritage and culture, and rich tapestry of arts in Whatcom County with this unique and delicious waterfront festival!
5. Blaine Oysterfest - Oct 11 - Blaine
- 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.
6. 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.
7. Pacific Marine Expo - Nov 20-22 - Seattle
- Explore the latest gear, technology, and education for our commercial maritime and seafood industries at the annual expo in Seattle. Featuring hundreds of exhibitors, free educational workshops, and key industry panel discussions.
8. Washington Fisherman's Convention - Dec 4-8 - Westport
- 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.
Oyster grilling at Blaine Oysterfest '23. Photo: Dan Tucker
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:
*In September, the Commission will resume bi-weekly meetings
Sept. 9th - Board of Commissioner's Open Public Meeting
Sept. 23rd - Board of Commissioner's Open Public Meeting
Past Meeting Information
YouTube Link:
Aug. 12- Board of Commissioner's Open Public Meeting
Recent Minutes Posted:
July 24 - Board of Commissioner's Minutes
Upcoming Waterfront & Coalition Events
Waterfront Events:
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
Sept. 14, Fairhaven Shipyards
Save the date for a day of salmon‑inspired fun on Sunday, September 14, 12-4pm! Enjoy free Puget Sound pink salmon tastings and small bites as we welcome Northline Seafoods' vessel, The Hannah, and salmon processing back to Fairhaven docks. Free and open to the community—stay tuned for more details!
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.
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 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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