Participants in the ‘Shop the Dock' event in Warrenton this monthon Friday tour the Skipanon Brand Seafood processing facility after a visit to the local marina. The event was held to inform the public about how to purchase local seafood from local merchants.

Warrenton’s and Hammond’s marinas are endlessly fascinating small-town spectacles — portholes opening into an intriguing culture of commercial and recreational fishing. There can be few better ways to spend a morning than admiring the pragmatic but elegant lines of vessels, talking with fishermen, listening to seabirds, breathing the crisp marine air and fantasizing about sailing over the horizon in pursuit of adventure.

A century ago, hope was lavished on the idea that a full-scale international metropolis might be coaxed into existence on Clatsop County’s northwestern tip. So far at least, this vision hasn’t materialized. But with a newly renovated dock and related facilities within easy reach of Pacific and Columbia crabbing grounds, Warrenton has a legitimate claim on becoming the capital of fresh, gourmet-quality seafood. This prospect was greatly strengthened by the city’s Urban Renewal Agency’s $2.1 million investment in its main marina.

Pacific Coast Seafood’s reconstruction of its processing plant, along with ongoing operations other seafood and maritime businesses, is a validation of Warrenton’s expenditure. So too are new “Shop the Dock” tours of the marina and the Skipanon Brand Seafood facility. For the sake of future tours and the ongoing waterfront economy, Amanda Gladics of Oregon Sea Grant is planning to connect with fishermen who want to take part in Oregon’s recent rule revisions allowing fish sales directly from local vessels.

All this adds up to a river town maturing and learning how best to capitalize on some of its best and most unique assets. It’s also a significant validation of Warrenton’s model of operating port facilities under the umbrella of municipal government. The combined Warrenton-Hammond municipality is doing a good job of melding town and waterfront in ways that can be beneficial to all.

There can be risks to this. The sinking of the abandoned fishing boat Western Skies, with associated diesel cleanup costs and the potential of much more expense to dispose of wood that may be saturated with hazardous materials, could amount to a substantial bill. There may be another nine boats with similar risks in the marina, taken in before the harbor imposed stricter proof-of-ownership and insurance requirements for moored vessels. As Warrenton apparently understands, marinas are a complex blend of business and government agency: It’s vital to have knowledgeable experts minding the helm.

Warrenton is increasingly well positioned to benefit as northwest Oregon’s population grows. With its marina investments, it is poised for continuing prosperity, with a reputation as a sophisticated place to live, visit and enjoy a premium natural lifestyle and menu.

While rapid commercial development along U.S. Highway 101 has turned Warrenton into the region’s big-box consumer-shopping hub, stewardship of its marinas and miles of seashore and riverbank could ultimately be even more crucial to its long-term success.

The “Shop the Dock” tours sound like lots of fun — a chance to learn to ways to incorporate fresh, healthy, locally landed fish in our diets.

The next 90-minute tours are Sept. 15, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Reserve a spot at least three days in advance by calling Oregon Sea Grant at 503-325-8573. The tours meet in the Warrenton Marina at 550 N.E. Harbor Place. Organizers recommend attendees wear comfortable walking shoes and arrive 15 minutes early. Space is limited.