Seattle Press on Line - Fishermen's Terminal Vote Delay

Fishermen's Terminal Vote Delay

By Jo Bailey and Carl Nyberg

Jun 22, 2001 -- Seattle's Port Commissioners voted June 12 to postpone acting on a proposal to add yacht moorage to Fishermen's Terminal until the fishermen return at the end of the season this fall. Fishermen, led by activist Peter Knutson, a gill netter, are up in arms over the port’s proposal to break with 80 years as a fishing facility and open the moorage to recreational vessels. Some fishers welcome the delay; one called it a "stay of execution."

Bret Barnecut, another angry fisherman, said he felt it was nonsense to delay the vote. "We want the whole plan OFF the menu, not delayed," he said.

The proposal to change the terminal from its historic fishing tradition is part of recommendations in Harbor Development Strategy 21, the port’s new business and real estate plan. Vacancies at the terminal led to plans to open the facility to recreational boats to help increase Port revenues.

"We are projecting a need for 100 fish boats and 50 recreational boats," said Jim Serrill, Fishermen Terminal general manager. "But the premise is if there's 150 fish boats they’ll get the moorage. Recreational boats will not displace fish boats."

Steve Sewell, managing director of the Port’s Seaport Division, said the Port will "hopefully find a way to pay for improvements to the terminal for the fishing industry."

The Port plan includes replacing Dock 10, the west dock, for yacht moorage, Serrill said. Docks 8 and 9 will be repaired, and Docks 5 and 7 will be replaced.

Commissioners accepted the other recommendations of the HDS 21 plan on first reading and are expected to approve all but the Fishermen's Terminal section at their June 26 meeting.

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