Fishermen object to Port of Everett storage plan

  • By Mike Benbow Herald Writer
  • Wednesday, December 5, 2007 3:57pm
  • BusinessEverett

For decades, commercial fishermen at the Port of Everett have kept their equipment in waterfront lockers that many would agree are the best on Puget Sound.

But that will soon change as the port razes what it calls its net sheds to make way for a $400 million redevelopment project and moves the fishing gear to temporary digs on the site.

It isn’t clear to the fishing group where it will eventually wind up and whether the final location will fulfill its needs. Just what those needs are isn’t clear to the port, because only a few fishermen have responded to a questionnaire.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

The confusion came to a head Tuesday as several commercial fishermen objected to the current plan, which would give them mostly outdoor storage and a covered work area for a few months and would make them move again after that.

Long-liner Greg Elwood agreed that commercial fishing had declined through the years, but he decried the loss of the net sheds and said those still in the business are seeing a resurgence.

Taking away the facilities “would marginalize the commercial fisherman in the state of Washington,” Elwood said. “I don’t think you should put them in a box where they can’t move.”

Ross Uttley noted he had rented a net shed for the past 25 years and is working on his third trailer of gear to move to the temporary area. He was concerned about getting enough space.

The port plans to raze the existing sheds in April and has asked the tenants to be out in March. The port’s Cyndy Olson said a temporary site has been found at 1234 W. Marine View Drive but that the area was not the permanent solution.

“We’ve got a lot of different interests down there (the development area) that we’re trying to cram into a little area,” said the port’s Carl Wollobek. “It’s hard to find out the space you need if you don’t give us feedback.

Elwood noted that fishermen are an eclectic bunch of people. “We’re like Sasquatch,” he said. “We leave a footprint but you can’t take a picture of them. They do not show up at meetings.”

Asked whose responsibility it was to find space for the fishing industry at the port, executive director John Mohr said the port didn’t have a legal responsibility, but he believed it had a moral one. “We definitely want to retain the fishing industry,” Mohr said. “But we don’t know what we’re dealing with. Our concern is that we dedicate facilities and space and nobody uses it.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Business

A standard jet fuel, left, burns with extensive smoke output while a 50 percent SAF drop-in jet fuel, right, puts off less smoke during a demonstration of the difference in fuel emissions on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Sustainable aviation fuel center gets funding boost

A planned research and development center focused on sustainable aviation… Continue reading

FILE — Jet fuselages at Boeing’s fabrication site in Everett, Wash., Sept. 28, 2022. Some recently manufactured Boeing and Airbus jets have components made from titanium that was sold using fake documentation verifying the material’s authenticity, according to a supplier for the plane makers. (Jovelle Tamayo/The New York Times)
Boeing adding new space in Everett despite worker reduction

Boeing is expanding the amount of space it occupies in… Continue reading

Paul Roberts makes a speech after winning the Chair’s Legacy Award on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Tulalip, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Paul Roberts: An advocate for environmental causes

Roberts is the winner of the newly established Chair’s Legacy Award from Economic Alliance Snohomish County.

Laaysa Chintamani speaks after winning on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Tulalip, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Laasya Chintamani: ‘I always loved science and wanted to help people’

Chintamani is the recipient of the Washington STEM Rising Star Award.

Dave Somers makes a speech after winning the Henry M. Jackson Award on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Tulalip, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
County Executive Dave Somers: ‘It’s working together’

Somers is the recipient of the Henry M. Jackson Award from Economic Alliance Snohomish County.

Mel Sheldon makes a speech after winning the Elson S. Floyd Award on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Tulalip, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mel Sheldon: Coming up big for the Tulalip Tribes

Mel Sheldon is the winner of the Elson S. Floyd Award from Economic Alliance Snohomish County

Craig Skotdal makes a speech after winning on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Tulalip, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Craig Skotdal: Helping to breathe life into downtown Everett

Skotdal is the recipient of the John M. Fluke Sr. award from Economic Alliance Snohomish County

Katie Wallace, left, checks people into the first flight from Paine Field to Honolulu on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Executive order makes way for Paine Field expansion planning

Expansion would be a long-range project estimated to cost around $300 million.

Dick’s Drive-In announces opening date for new Everett location

The new drive-in will be the first-ever for Everett and the second in Snohomish County.

Helion's 6th fusion prototype, Trenta, on display on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Helion celebrates smoother path to fusion energy site approval

Helion CEO applauds legislation signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson expected to streamline site selection process.

The Coastal Community Bank branch in Woodinville. (Contributed photo)
Top banks serving Snohomish County with excellence

A closer look at three financial institutions known for trust, service, and stability.

Image from Erickson Furniture website
From couch to coffee table — Local favorites await

Style your space with the county’s top picks for furniture and flair.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.