Gov. Bob Ferguson speaks at the At-Sea Processors Association's fall breakfast in Seattle Thursday. (Photo: Gov. Bob Ferguson's Office)
SEATTLE, Wash. — Gov. Bob Ferguson is putting a renewed focus on Washington’s maritime industry.
Ferguson discussed the industry Thursday during the At-Sea Processors Association’s fall breakfast.
“The maritime industry is a critical part of our state’s identity, and our economy. It supports 174,000 jobs and generates $46 billion in annual revenue.”
Bob Ferguson, Washington Governor
It is also personal for Ferguson.
“Several of my family members have spent most of their working lives in the fishing industry,” Ferguson said.
Ferguson Plans New Maritime Strategy
Ferguson said the state must do everything it can to support the industry and pointed to several steps his administration has taken.
“That’s why I included industry representatives on my Economic Development Council. I have taken a stand against the federal government for tariffs that are harming our seafood exports. And in the coming weeks, I’ll be launching my maritime strategy.”
Bob Ferguson, Washington Governor
He did not provide details about the strategy Thursday. Ferguson said more information will be coming soon.
Bellingham Has a Direct Seafood Industry Connection
The maritime industry Ferguson discussed Thursday has a significant presence in Bellingham.
Trident Seafoods is one of the area’s major employers and a member of the At-Sea Processors Association.
Trident’s Bellingham operation connects local workers to the larger Alaska seafood industry. The company is part of a seafood sector that reaches from fishing grounds in Alaska to processing and distribution operations in Washington.
Bellingham Cold Storage also has a long connection to the APA. The company has been an associate member since 1990.
Its Bellingham operation provides freezing, processing, cold storage and ice services. Those services support the seafood supply chain represented by APA members.
That gives Ferguson’s maritime focus a clear local connection. The future of Washington’s fishing and seafood industries also matters to businesses and workers in Whatcom County.
Seafood Industry Meets With Governor
The At-Sea Processors Association represents U.S.-flag catcher/processor companies. Its members operate primarily in the Eastern Bering Sea Alaska pollock fishery and the Pacific whiting fishery.
Catcher/processors combine fishing and processing operations aboard their vessels. Fish can be processed and frozen at sea soon after it is caught.
The association’s members include American Seafoods, Arctic Storm, Glacier Fish Company, Trident Seafoods and Coastal Villages Region Fund.
The APA’s broader membership also includes companies that support the seafood industry. That includes Bellingham Cold Storage.
For Ferguson, Thursday’s meeting offered an opportunity to discuss the industry with companies directly involved in Washington’s maritime economy.
The governor said his administration will continue working with industry representatives.
He said his upcoming maritime strategy will provide a broader look at those efforts.
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