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Home Breadcrumb Link / News / 2026 / Dr. Crystal Morse Leads Inaugural North Coast Blue Economy Consortium Convening Focused on Regional Workforce Strategy

Dr. Crystal Morse Leads Inaugural North Coast Blue Economy Consortium Convening Focused on Regional Workforce Strategy

Published on May 6 2026

River Regional leaders from across California’s North Coast gathered at the College of Marin on April 24 for the inaugural convening of the North Coast Blue Economy Consortium, a new collaborative effort focused on aligning workforce development strategy with the region’s emerging blue economy.

Hosted by the California Community College Chancellor’s Office in partnership with the College of Marin, the convening brought together presidents, vice presidents of instruction, workforce development leaders, deans, faculty, and regional workforce and economic development partners. The three-hour working session from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. was designed to move from dialogue toward coordinated regional action.

The convening was led by Dr. Crystal Morse of College of the Redwoods, Vice President of Instruction and Student Development, serving as Chief Instructional Officer and Chief Student Services Officer, who guided efforts to strengthen regional collaboration across the North Coast.

Centered on the theme “Bridging the Maritime Corridor: From Vision 2030 to Regional Workforce Alignment,” the convening focused on building a shared understanding of the North Coast blue economy and identifying workforce needs across the region.

Jasmine Iniguez, Assistant Professor of Aquaculture at CR, and attendee of the event, said, “I am excited to be part of the Blue Economy. Our aquatic ecosystems from kelp forests to rivers need academia to move in this direction. From sustainable fisheries and regenerative aquaculture to restoration and innovative technologies, it's time we work together to develop programs and enhance curricula that train the next generation of warriors for our waters."

The North Coast presented unique conditions, including geographic distance, limited infrastructure, strong Tribal and community leadership, and significant natural resource potential. These factors required a coordinated, place-based approach to workforce development.

The agenda guided participants through a structured working session. It opened with framing on the urgency and opportunity of the North Coast blue economy, followed by regional perspectives from workforce and education partners on current conditions.

“We all know that the North Coast is a special place and the North Coast Blue Economy Consortium is uniquely positioned to lead the way in the efforts to study and establish partnerships and workforce training to support the emerging blue/green/teal economy,” said Montel Vanderhorck, CR’s Career Center Manager and attendee.

Participants then engaged in a facilitated discussion to define the regional workforce challenge, including gaps between opportunity and readiness and areas requiring coordination. Additional sessions explored alignment with Vision 2030, the Strong Workforce Program, and other state and federal initiatives.

The convening also addressed consortium design, including governance structure and roles for colleges, workforce boards, and regional partners. The session concluded with key takeaways, next steps, and planning for future implementation-focused convenings.