MERIS
what’s on the horizon…?
Marine, Economy, and Research
Institute for Sustainability
A brief overview of MERIS and key resources for the Charette/Planning Summit.
As we move from early concept to brainstorming with the community, this page will provide updates, materials, and ways to participate.
the MERIS Concept
MERIS is envisioned as an economic generator and a multi-use hub or centre supporting private, government, and non-profit work in all aspects of sustainable marine aquaculture, research, innovation, education, and related activities, including national and cross-border collaborations. It would be a place to research, develop and test new growing systems, farmed species, farm and monitoring equipment, water quality and habitat restoration efforts, predator controls, storm water treatments, product processing and the like. Folded within this suite of projects are opportunities for workforce development, continuing education, citizen science, community engagement, tourism, and - importantly - a place to share and elevate each other and each others' work through connections that MERIS would facilitate.
Access to Additional Information and Collaboration Tools
in Blaine, WA
MERIS is envisioned as a cornerstone of the Port of Blaine, a location with ready access to high quality sea water, certified shellfish grounds, potential offshore kelp farming sites, low-cost electric power, reclaimed class A water, docks, cranes, and moorage; it is also a logistical confluence between major centres, shared waters, and sits on a key international border.
MERIS, the Marine, Economic, and Research Institute for Sustainability, is envisioned as a Blaine-based marine-centric multi-use hub of industry, community and applied research building upon existing local resources and networks unique to our area.
The MERIS vision is to preserve and enhance:
Environmental Sustainability - water quality, marine habitat/conservation
Marine Economy - new product development/start-ups, marine centric sustainable business incubation/innovation
Education & Youth Engagement - citizen science, outreach, Blue Schools, eco-tourism
Workforce Development - education/training in maritime sector including aquaculture
View the full Concept Document here.
Inspiration and Examples
MAIC
The Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center was established in 1988 by the Maine Legislature with a mission to assist in developing economically and environmentally sustainable aquaculture opportunities in Maine. MAIC sponsors and facilitates innovative research and development projects involving food, pharmaceuticals, and other products from sustainable aquatic systems; invests in the enhancement of aquaculture capacity in Maine; serves as a source of educational information to enhance public visibility and acceptance of aquaculture; and encourages strategic alliances tasked with promoting research, technology transfer, and the commercialization of aquaculture research.
Blue
Schools
Blue School integrate ocean learning into the curriculum, recognizing the important role formal education plays in fostering an ocean-literate society. A Blue School promotes an interdisciplinary, inquiry, and project-based approach to teaching and learning about the ocean.
Living with
Lakes
A Freshwater example: the Living with Lake Centre is one of the most environmentally well designed buildings in North America and even before it was completed, was recognized with the Bronze Award for North America in the global Holcim Awards for Sustainable Construction in 2008. A multidisciplinary research and monitoring institute cultivating new ideas, techniques, and approaches for the advancement of environmental science. A place of experimentation and innovation where top young scientists are trained to assist in the protection and management of northern aquatic ecosystems, fostering collaboration and communication among scientists, universities, government agencies, and industries
Maritime
Blue
A strategic alliance dedicated to accelerating innovation in the Blue Economy.
Washington Maritime Blue is committed to the development of maritime business, technology, and practices that promote a sustainable future contributing to economic growth, ecological health, and thriving communities.
HOST Park
Hawaii
Embracing Challenges, Crafting Solutions
Innovation at HOST Park is Beyond Boundaries
In the evolving landscape of human progress, HOST Park stands distinct, reminiscent of today's ambitious 'moonshot' projects. This enclave is a thriving hub of audacious innovation, echoing the bold spirit of modern pioneering ventures.
Here, vast challenges—like sustainable energy, reducing greenhouse emissions, and ensuring food security—are met head-on. At HOST Park, it isn't just about identifying problems; it's a dedicated pursuit of groundbreaking solutions.
Maine Centre for
Cooperative
Aquaculture Research
founded in 1999 by the University of Maine as an aquaculture research and development facility, to address industry needs at industry scale.
extensive facilities include marine hatcheries, where juvenile fish, invertebrates, and sea vegetables are propagated for research and industry. Our Team is experienced in raising a multitude of species, including tilapia, salmon, flounder, California yellowtail, Atlantic halibut, eels, marine polychaetes, and sea urchins. The Center also serves as an aquaculture business incubator, where entrepreneurs can get help with their business plans, find a site for their operations, secure investment capital, engage in research and development, design full-scale commercial aquaculture farms, and utilize our hatchery services. The CCAR is a resource for new and established companies, students and faculty, and fisherman trying to rebuild natural stocks.
Mission
Innovation Develop and improve farming technologies for aquatic species
Demonstration Pilot trials and demonstration projects
Facilitation Facilities for industry and researchers to carry out projects and trials
Collaboration Work with others towards sustainable aquaculture and fisheries
Education Train staff and students and educate the public about aquaculture
Regional Planning Documents
City of Blaine
Comprehensive Plan
VISION STATEMENT - BLAINE IN 2036
The City of Blaine is a friendly, open-minded community where new residents and visitors are welcomed with open arms. Nestled between Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia, Blaine is a picturesque seaside community with a bustling downtown, a strong industrial sector, and diverse neighborhoods. The City of Blaine was born in industry; prominent for its fishing fleets, canneries and mills. More than a century later, Blaine continues to be a leader in commerce with pioneering companies responding to the opportunities of an international market.
Downtown Blaine is a captivating destination to visit and call home where life is enriched by frequent festivals and a growing variety of shops, galleries and dining establishments. Blaine’s Old-fashioned 4th of July celebration is one of many dynamic, diverse events that draw thousands of visitors into the City. Downtown residents awake to the breeze off the bay and smells of fresh baked goods from the street-side cafes. Visitors and locals alike enjoy spectacular sunsets over Drayton Harbor, fresh local seafood and lively evening entertainment.
Blaine has become known for producing nationally recognized products with an innovative manufacturing sector. Capitalizing on affordable electricity, strong communication utilities and abundant water supplies; business parks, advanced manufacturing and transportation related industry flourishes. Through forward thinking marketing and a resilient eco-tourism industry, business in Blaine is thriving. With more than three million Canadians just over the line in the lower British Columbia mainland, Blaine has developed a stout business sector focused on supplying services to our neighbors to the north. Blaine’s exceptional parks and robust trail system enhance the quality of life for its residents while encouraging visitors to stay and explore. With a modern school campus, Blaine is a highly desirable place to raise a family. Whatcom Community College’s satellite campus offers traditional classes by day and career development programs by night. A state-of-the-art medical complex offers specialty procedures, provides the larger community family practice amenities and supports the economy with high-paying jobs.
In West Blaine, Semiahmoo continues to prosper as a resort community anchored by the Inn at Semiahmoo; a destination resort, golf course, and country club. Enlivened by top-shelf restaurants, trendy pubs, and a connection to the downtown district by the historic passenger ferry MV Plover, the Semiahmoo Spit resort district is a well-regarded international destination.
East Blaine continues to be a hot spot of residential growth as municipal services are extended. Key pedestrian and bicycle linkages make for easy access to downtown from the quiet, forested hilltop neighborhoods.
Blaine has a diverse economy that capitalizes on its border location but is not dependent upon it. The Chamber of Commerce is strong and the government is helpful and efficient. With a welcoming community and a can-do attitude, Blaine is a wonderful place to live and a great place to do business.
City of Blaine
Shoreline Master Program
The purpose of the Blaine Shoreline Master Program is:
A. To further the goals of the Shoreline Management Act as set forth in RCW 90.58.020; and
B. To implement a cooperative program of shoreline management between local and state government; and
C. To comply with the mandate established in the Shoreline Management Act that local governments develop and adopt local master programs to guide and regulate development on shorelines of the state; and
D. To promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community by providing long range and comprehensive policies and effective and reasonable regulations for development and use of shorelines within the City; and
E. To manage shorelines in a positive, effective, and equitable manner; and
F. To plan for and foster all reasonable and appropriate uses, particularly uses directly dependent upon the water; and
G. To preserve to the greatest extent feasible, consistent with the overall interest of the State, the City and the people generally, the public's opportunity to enjoy the physical and aesthetic qualities of the shorelines of the City by preserving views and increasing public access to the shorelines; and
H. To manage the shorelines of the City to minimize, insofar as practical, damage to the shoreline area, while actively encouraging the restoration and enhancement of degraded shoreline functions and processes; and
I. To ensure all proposed uses and development occurring within shoreline jurisdiction conform to chapter 90.58 RCW, the Shoreline Management Act and this Program whether or not a permit is required.
Port of Bellingham
Blaine Wharf District
Master Plan
The Blaine Wharf District Master Plan is the City's and Port's coordinated strategy for the future of the waterfront. It establishes public policy and development standards for all new public and private development in the Wharf District that will create a lively mixed use district for living, working, and playing. This plan, in conjunction with development regulations set forth in the City of Blaine's Land Use Code, BMC 17.23, and Design Standards, BMC 17.121 for the Wharf District, will guide development in the Wharf District as it becomes a destination and gateway to and from downtown.
The Wharf District Master Plan focuses on individual policies, projects and regulations to realize the Wharf District's potential as an attractive setting for maritime industry, civic redevelopment, water enjoyment and water-oriented recreation.
Whatcom County
Comp Plan
Whatcom County’s Comprehensive Plan is intended to guide growth in unincorporated areas in coordination with the plans of its cities. The fundamental purpose of the Comprehensive Plan is to establish a framework of goals, policies and action items for the more detailed growth planning and implementation actions which will occur in the near future in designated urban growth areas and in the county’s rural areas.
The County Council adopted the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan in May of 1997.
The county is currently engaged in the
2025 Comprehensive Plan Update.
