Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition

08/31/2026

We're hosting a Port Commissioner General Election Candidate Forum on October 7th, at the Squalicum Boathouse - stay up to date with candidate information for the Port of Bellingham on our website: www.whatcomworkingwaterfront.org/portelection2026

We recently caught up with the final four candidates after the primary to see what they've learned so far in their campaigning. Here's what they had to say:

08/26/2026

*Port Commissioner Election Information*
The candidates for the Port of Bellingham Commission in Districts 4 & 5 are headed into the General Election on November 3rd. Check out our follow-up interview with them and mark your calendars for our General Election Commissioner Candidate Forum on October 7th, at the Squalicum Boathouse!

08/25/2026

Join us Sept. 17th at the Fisherman's Pavilion in Squalicum and find your next career! Maritime employer looking for new hires? Contact us asap to coordinate your booth!

🚤 **MARINE TRADE JOB FAIR** ⚓

Looking to launch your career, explore a new trade, or connect with local employers? **This FREE one-day event is your chance to make it happen!**

📅 **September 17, 2026**
⏰ **3:30–6:00 PM**

**What to Expect:**
🔹 Meet face-to-face with waterfront employers & trade professionals
🔹 Discover career pathways and hands-on opportunities
🔹 Build connections that could shape your future
🔹 Explore opportunities across the marine trades

Whether you're a **curious beginner or a seasoned professional**, there’s an opportunity for you!

Come ready to connect, learn, and take the next step toward your future in the **marine industry!** ⚓🔧🚤

08/24/2026

Attn: Commercial Fishermen! You're invited to a Tech Talk.

Alaska's Hybrid Battery Fishing Boat: How Is The First Season Going?

In February 2026, F/V Mirage became Alaska's first hybrid fishing vessel. Since then, the boat has fished its way across the Gulf of Alaska from Sitka to Yakutat to Seward to Kodiak. Captain Jeff Turner is learning to maximize the system's performance, hauling pots with the propulsion engine off and making short cruises on electric power. But those successes haven't been without challenges: from feedback errors to unplugged controllers, we'll share the challenges we've met, the successes we've had, and explore ideas that have already bubbled to the surface to improve on system design. Join us for the second Tech Talk, sharing insights from the exciting hybrid electric application at sea.

TechTalk Speakers:

Chandler Kemp: Project Technical Lead
Jeff Turner: Vessel Captain
Ben Matthys: Lead Technician
Nash Hillier: Transfluid Sales Engineer
Thursday, August 27: 12 PM PT | 11 AM AKT | 3 PM ET

REGISTER HERE:

In February 2026, F/V Mirage became Alaska's first hybrid fishing vessel. Since then, the boat has fished its way across the Gulf of Alaska from Sitka to Yakutat to Seward to Kodiak. Captain Jeff Turner is learning to maximize the system's performance, hauling pots with the propulsion engine off and...

08/19/2026

08/13/2026

Are you a marine trades employer looking to renew your employee health benefits this fall? Our Working Waterfront Health Trust has you covered with affordable pooled plans, built for maritime businesses, through Premera Blue Cross. Available WA state-wide, contact us today for information!
www.whatcomworkingwaterfront.org/health-trust

08/13/2026

Welcome home to the Hannah!

08/12/2026

This morning, we attended an economic development roundtable with leaders from around Bellingham to talk about the recent Mayoral Executive Order and to share ideas, concepts, and concerns about spurning development for the city.

We were glad to represent our maritime economy and businesses, and there were plenty of good ideas shared. Thank you to the City of Bellingham, Washington - Government and COF& for hosting!