Bellingham Technical College: Fisheries & Aquaculture

10/02/2026

Have you always wanted to say “My job, its just kelp”? Well, today is your lucky day!

BMSC is hiring for a Restoration and Nursery Technician! (Though please note that our restoration dreams go well beyond kelp!).

“The Restoration and Nursery Technician will coordinate kelp culturing and kelp growth cycles in the BMSC nurseries, support decisions around kelp sourcing and outplanting, and assist with field activities such as sori collection, outplanting and ecological monitoring; both at the surface and through SCUBA-based work. They will work closely with the Deep Bay nursery technician and the broader BMSC and Baum team. The ideal candidate is scientifically grounded, results oriented, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively. They will bring strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence in both laboratory and field settings to help advance the mission of restoring kelp forests along BC’s coast.”

Find the details about the job - as well as how to apply - with the link below:

https://bamfieldmsc.com/about/bmsc-overview/employment-opportunities/detail/job-opportunity-restoration-and-nursery-technician/

10/02/2026

Happy Technical College Day! This year marks the 35th anniversary of BTC and the state’s other four technical colleges joining Washington’s public higher education system.

In 1991, the Legislature formally recognized these vocational institutes as technical colleges and included them with state community colleges, transforming what was then the State Board for Community College Education into our current Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC).

Between us, Washington’s five technical colleges offer instruction in 690 programs and degrees and serve 34,000 students each year. Technical colleges like BTC play a key role in our communities: strengthening our regional workforce and economy; expanding access to education to low-income, first-generation and underrepresented students; and providing training that leads to family-wage careers.

To celebrate this milestone anniversary, Governor Ferguson is proclaiming Oct. 1, 2026 as Technical College Day at the state level and Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu is proclaiming Oct. 1 Technical College Day for our county.

In addition to the anniversary of joining the state system, 2027 marks BTC’s 70th anniversary serving our community with high-quality, hands-on education.

“While our campus and our programs have evolved to meet the changing needs of the world around us, one thing has stayed the same: our focus on our students,” BTC President James Lemerond says. “I am so grateful to my colleagues across campus who strive every day to help our students achieve their educational goals.”

Read the county's Technical College Day proclamation: https://www.whatcomcounty.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/16089

09/24/2026

We are seeking new student & at-large board members!

NSEA’s Board of Directors is accepting applications for new members. If you love the work NSEA does, this is a great way to get involved and contribute to your community.

NSEA’s Board values different perspectives, experiences, and skillsets. We are particularly interested in applicants with any of the following experience:

- Environmental, land use, and/or contract law
- Fundraising and community outreach
- Agriculture or forestry, especially from the northern and eastern areas of the County

All are welcome to apply! If you are interested, learn more and fill out the interest form at www.n-sea.org/get-involved/work-with-us/

09/24/2026

09/19/2026

We'll be there! Stop by the BTC booth to meet our staff and students 🐟

10th annual festival casts wide net of food, demos, music, fun

09/19/2026

Start off Fall Quarter on the right foot with our open house events Sept. 21-23 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. in Campus Center!

Join us in the Student Center on the third floor of Campus Center to:
• Explore campus resources
• Get your student ID card
• Meet college staff
• Learn about ASBTC
• Ask questions
• Enjoy snacks and more!

While you're on the third floor, check out the Campus Store for textbooks, class supplies and BTC gear, and explore the Library, which includes BTC's Tutoring Center!

On the first floor of Campus Center, you'll find our TRIO lounge and offices. Learn all about support services from TRIO including success coaching, support with adjusting to college life, and a supportive community for students who qualify.

We can't wait to see you!

09/17/2026

Another great event coming right around the corner! Blue Drinks is an amazing opportunity to connect with your local waterfront community, ask questions, and engage with the Port of Bellingham on matters that are important to you.

If you want to see more of the Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition's upcoming events visit this link:

https://www.whatcomworkingwaterfront.org/events

09/17/2026

Happening this afternoon! We will be there!

*Reminder Happening Tomorrow*

09/17/2026

08/25/2026

The popular Whatcom Creek hatchery Chinook fishery in downtown Bellingham kicked off Aug. 2 and is scheduled to be open Saturdays and Sundays only through Sept. 27; see fishing regulations or the Fish Washington mobile app for details.

The 2026 Whatcom Creek return forecast is 6,582 hatchery Chinook, with these fish typically arriving in inner Bellingham Bay and the area around the creek mouth in late-August or early-September after the first rain, or “freshet”, raises the water level in the creek.

These fall Chinook originate from WDFW’s Samish River Hatchery and are raised and released into Whatcom Creek through a collaboration between Bellingham Technical College: Fisheries & Aquaculture (BTC), Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, and WDFW.

Whatcom Creek hatchery Chinook support forage for Southern Resident killer whales, salmon fisheries in marine areas, and terminal fisheries in Bellingham Bay and lower Whatcom Creek by recreational anglers, treaty tribes, and tribal youth.

Refer to our The Salmon Fishing Current blog for more on Whatcom Creek and other North Puget Sound salmon fisheries: wdfw.medium.com/the-salmon-fishing-current-blog-summer-and-fall-2026-edition-7a5510a6071c