Maritime Blue, Sea Potential and the next generation of seafarers
Students on the water participate in a Sea Potential program. Sea Potential photo.
As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Washington Maritime Blue is a Seattle-based NGO with a $3 million budget and a number of focus areas, including renewable energy, maritime decarbonization, sustainable fishing, community engagement, and maritime workforce development.
Dontay Proctor-Mills, who handles community engagement for Maritime Blue, hosted a presentation on workforce development during the 2025 Pacific Marine Expo in Seattle, with speakers from partner organizations, such as Sea Potential.
According to Ebony Welborn, co-founder of Sea Potential, the organization works towards creating opportunities for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) youth, ages 12–18. “We want to raise awareness about marine jobs,” said Welborn. “But to do that, we have to heal things like water-related trauma and negative intergenerational stories about the water.”
Go to this link to read the full article published by the National Fisherman: https://www.nationalfisherman.com/maritime-blue-sea-potential-and-the-next-generation-of-seafarers