The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is reaching out to the public, inviting comments on the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) determination to reconstruct the Elliott Bay Fishing Pier, a fixture on the Seattle Waterfront since 1980. According to a news release by WDFW, the existing pier, which has remained closed since 2016 over safety concerns, is set to be rebuilt within its current footprint to limit environmental disruption. This move seems carefully designed to seamlessly continue the legacy of recreational fishing and city-to-sound connection that the pier symbolized for years.
The project, while still pending the necessary construction funds, has been outlined with plans to include amenities like benches, fishing rod holders, fish cleaning stations, and electrical outlets for squid fishing lights, seeming to want to support both leisure and sport. Feedback on the design, which has been updated based on previous public and Native American tribal input, can be viewed and commented upon through the WDFW's SEPA webpage until Aug. 18, 2025, at 5 PM.
A notable environmental effort tied to the project includes the removal of approximately 0.6 acres of tire piles in the vicinity, which aligns with ongoing habitat improvement objectives. This effort, detailed on the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) webpage, is poised to reinforce the health of Puget Sound’s aquatic ecosystems.
WDFW's North Puget Sound Regional Director, Brendan Brokes, emphasized the cultural importance of the pier, stating, per WDFW, "For decades, the Elliott Bay Fishing Pier provided recreational access that connected the city of Seattle with Puget Sound, from jigging for squid to casting a line for salmon or lingcod." Despite the apparent commitment to the project, WDFW has not yet secured the necessary $15 million in funding after their request was not included in the state budget for the 2025-2027 biennium. They are actively seeking alternative funding opportunities to bring the pier back to life.
The design process and project evaluation continue with support from entities like Reid Middleton and the Port of Seattle. The multi-faceted review involves various state and federal aquatic resources regulators, as part of the commitment to both Seattle's urban and natural environments. The design for the new Elliott Bay Fishing Pier is expected to be completed by late 2025, funded partly by a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce. As stewards of more than 1 million acres of land and water access areas, WDFW's efforts reflect their mission to preserve and provide sustainable opportunities for fish, wildlife, and human engagement with nature.
