Bellingham, Washington has a long and active history of commercial fishing. In its heyday there were a number of very large Salmon Canneries around Bellingham Bay. Today, with the decline of Salmon runs and the major control of fishing grounds to keep the worlds oceans from becoming a desert, local fishers have to have licenses and nets for many different species, and have to travel far afield to keep their way of life. The following photos are acknowledging their commitment and honoring their profession.
This is the original fishermen's memorial at Zuanich Pt. Park. The plaque on the left names those who lost their life following this profession.
The previous three pictures show the proliferation of nets required, and the constant work to keep them in good repair. Commercial fishers have to be always ready to go out. The various seasons often have only a very short time window when they are open. 48 hours is common.
Some of the commercial fleet.
This is a purse seiner's skiff. The seiner lets out the huge net, the powerfully engined skiff then brings the end back around to form the purse. The seiner then hauls the net aboard using a powerfull large drummed winch, with crew picking the fish as the net comes aboard.
As always, thanks for looking.
David Helm
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