Tag Archives: Port of Bellingham
Blaine, Washington: The 38th year for the Blessing of the Fleet, Sunday, May 1st
The Puget Sound commercial crab season closes by the middle of March. For me, when we get all of the gear put away for the season, it’s time to focus on preparing for the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony, which is put together and organized by the Fisherman’s Memorial Committee along with the Port of Bellingham and Blaine Chamber of Commerce. The blessing this year will be 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1, and like last year, we will be outside by Gate 2 at Blaine Harbor – weather permitting. If it rains, we will be inside in the conference room. >click to read< By Gary Dunster 10:58
Bellingham Dockside Market – From Tide to Table
Rain had been in the forecast, but as my fella and I strolled from the Squalicum Harbor parking lot to Gate 5 shortly before noon last Saturday to attend the soft opening of the Bellingham Dockside Market, glimpses of blue sky belied the prediction of inclement weather. As we joined a stream of other masked shoppers eager to support the new hub that makes it possible for local fisher-folks to collectively sell their catch directly from their boats or adjacent to the dock, By the time we made our way to the F/V Ocean Swell, the crew had sold out of fresh tuna and ling cod but still had plenty of black cod—also known as sablefish—for $6.50 per pound. >click to read< 09:27
Coronavirus is making it difficult for Whatcom’s commercial fishing fleet this season
A new report from the Regional Economic Partnership at the Port of Bellingham indicates the local fishing fleet is dealing with a host of hurdles this summer, particularly for fishing boat captains who want to go to Alaska. Crew safety is proving to be particularly tough to figure out, as shown by the three American Seafoods fishing boats that had more than 100 crew members test positive for the virus after docking at Bellingham Cold Storage in late May and early June. The report surveyed 69 businesses tied to the industry, including 59 commercial fishing boats. >click to read< 09:11
Port of Bellingham plans Fisherman’s Pavilion for commercial fishermen, events
The Port of Bellingham recently applied for a shoreline permit to build a 9,000-square-foot unheated building in the outdoor storage yard near the park. The building, referred to as the Fisherman’s Pavilion on the permit, will have large roll-up doors to create an open-air atmosphere, Mike Hogan, spokesman for the port, wrote in an email. The building will be used as a work space for commercial fishermen and other members of the working waterfront during the winter months,,, Video, >click to read< 09:42
Port of Bellingham has key decisions to make. Two candidates want the chance to make them
Port of Bellingham commissioner races may appear below-the-radar compared to other offices, but they have a huge influence in shaping the future of Whatcom County.,, Below are details on the two candidates running for the district 3 position, which is a nonpartisan office that carries a four-year term. Commissioners are paid $8,400 a year. Bobby Briscoe, incumbent, 63, was raised in south Bellingham as a fourth-generation commercial fisherman. Anthony Distefano, 44, was born in eastern North Carolina, Background professionally is maritime, tourism, environmental advocacy/education and renewable energy projects. >click to read< 09:12
Construction project could be a boon for Whatcom commercial fishing fleet
The Port of Bellingham has awarded a $750,000 contract to American Construction of Tacoma to fix three deteriorated piers. Work is expected to be completed on two piers before Sept. 24, prior to the start of the fall commercial salmon and crabbing seasons in early October. Repairs to the Sawtooth Pier will start in early October so it doesn’t impact the commercial fleet during the summer. Both projects are not expected to impact recreation boaters at Blaine Harbor, said Mike Hogan, a spokesman for the port. The improvements will allow for more equipment and weight on the piers. Large areas of the three piers are currently under significant load restrictions, Hogan said. The fixes will also allow for more commercial ships to be tied up. click here to read the story 21:11
Port of Bellingham – First aid course specifically for fisherman May 9
Fishermen can learn first aid for situations they encounter on water during a special course May 9. The course, approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, will cover CPR, patient assessment, hypothermia, cold water, near drowning, shock, trauma, burns, fractures, choking, immobilization and key components in first aid kits. The course is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Port of Bellingham Squalicum Harbor office, 722 Coho Way. The fee is $100, or $50 for active commercial fishermen. It’s put on by the port and the Washington Sea Grant. To register, call Sarah Fisken with the Washington Sea Grant at 206-543-1225 or email [email protected]. Link 15:18
Bellingham – Commercial Fisherman Robert Briscoe running to ensure port is economic engine
I have walked the docks since I was 4 years old and I’ve seen many changes over the 41 years I’ve been commercial fishing out of Squalicum harbor. The fortunes of our maritime businesses have ebbed and flowed over the years. With waterfront re-development on its agenda, the has a unique opportunity to once again take advantage of our strategic marine location. After years of wondering when something would happen, and complaining when nothing did happen, I am stepping up to offer my leadership to the Port of Bellingham. Read the rest here 10:17
