Ripple effects of NOAA layoffs: Weather, science and fisheries

"In a move that has sent shockwaves through the fishing industry and beyond, recent layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are raising alarms about the future of U.S. fisheries and the broader maritime community." — Read more from National Fisherman

Port of Seattle seeks to overturn SoDo rezoning in ongoing controversy

"If successful, the petition, filed in King County Superior Court, would invalidate the new law, passed last month after intense debate and apocalyptic predictions." — Read more at The Seattle Times

The Port is also countering "ghost town" rumors, preparing for "substantial negative long-term impacts" from the Trump administration's tariffs, and kicking off the cruise season.

Seattle maritime logistics startup OpenTug raises new funding

"Founded in 2019, OpenTug sells a marine logistics platform that helps companies optimize freight efficiency on inland and coastal waterways by streamlining booking, quoting and tracking. Customers include barge shippers and tug operators." — Read more at GeekWire

Local sailors successfully rescued after going overboard during race

A video of the March incident taken from the Edmonds-Kingston ferry, which diverted to help, went viral. Northwest sailing magazine 48° North published a first hand account from Sheridan Ferguson, one of the crew rescued.

For the sailing and racing community, the well-documented rescue provides new insights for crew overboard procedures, and reinforces the importance of ongoing safety training.