Here’s an opportunity for our community: Lead the state in maritime education and workforce development.
The term “Blue Economy” was coined in 1994, referring to the development of an economic system focused on maritime business, technology, and practices that promote economic growth, ecological health, and thriving communities.
A blue economy is inspired by natural systems, eschews an extraction mindset and emphasizes more sustainable practices. If that sounds remarkably like what the Lummi and Nooksack tribes have been practicing for more centuries than we can count, well, yes.
So what does it mean in 2025?
Opportunity. Organizations in Whatcom County currently employ about 6,400 people in maritime work. But that number is down over the last several years, and to meet a future of diverse marine-related prospects, the sector needs more workers. Whatcom County, with its rich maritime culture and active community organizations, is perfectly positioned to capitalize on this opportunity.
Two initiatives are poised to advance the region’s maritime strengths.
Blue Schools Whatcom, organized by Northwest Maritime (NWM), a Port Townsend-based nonprofit serving the entire Puget Sound, engages people of all ages in traditional and contemporary maritime life through hands-on learning, adventure, and discovery.
The MERIS Project, a proposed Blaine-based hub for industry, community, and applied research led by the Whatcom Working Waterfront Foundation, will build on this momentum. Both initiatives expand upon the strong platform established by regional partners including the Port of Bellingham, Bellingham Technical College, Western Washington University, All American Marine, Whatcom Working Waterfront, and many others.
MERIS stands for Marine, Economy and Research Institute for Sustainability. The two projects converge around the goal of building our region's blue economy through strategies that include K-12 education and workforce development while promoting environmental stewardship and regional economic resilience.
In a year where there were more ideas than could be funded, NWM’s 2025 request for support from the state legislators appropriations budget for the Blue Schools initiative was not funded.
In the meantime, NWM continues to pursue additional funding and is moving forward with a scaled-back, $100K pilot in Whatcom County. Early and continued exposure to maritime career possibilities is a central part of the Blue Schools' strategy.
Blue Schools Whatcom is also working with Meridian School District leaders on a five-year plan to incorporate Blue Schools into the Whatcom County Skills Center (a facility designed to support hands-on learning).
A primary goal is to ensure access for people who would not typically be exposed to the Salish Sea or maritime industry work opportunities.
Meanwhile, the MERIS Project is moving through a process to build a multi-use center supporting work in all aspects of sustainable marine aquaculture and related activities. It will be a place to research, develop and test the cutting edge of maritime technology and industry.
Folded within this suite of projects are opportunities for workforce development, continuing education, citizen science, community engagement and tourism. The group is on track to deliver strategic and general use plans to potential investors/funders later this fall.
What we're doing
We established the Blue Schools Whatcom Fund.
We partnered with the Blue Schools coalition.
We attended the MERIS Project design charette.
How you can help
Give to the Blue Schools Whatcom Fund.
Help the kids in your life explore maritime culture. Walk the docks in Bellingham and Blaine, visit area beaches, the touch tank, Waypoint Park, Maritime Heritage Park fish ladder, Squalicum Pier, Drayton Harbor Oyster Company, Pt. Whitehorn, Larrabee State Park, Community Boating Center … there is so much to choose from!
If you have marine recreational interests, consider joining the county’s Marine Resource Committee.
Advocate with state and federal elected officials about the importance of funding blue economy activities in Whatcom County. Northwest Maritime is building a national coalition in partnership with the state of Maine, with the long-term goal of securing federal funding for Blue Schools.
Mauri Ingram is the CEO and president of Whatcom Community Foundation.
