Port of Coupeville commissioners spent more than 30 minutes debating between themselves whether or not to increase moorage rates for the Suva this season.

Commissioner William Bell proposed a set 10 percent discount on moorage rates for all nonprofits, which would be a significant increase for the Suva.

Bell’s argument was that the Suva takes up space at a significant discount during peak season for the wharf.

Other commissioners argued it’s not uncommon for ports to make breaks for new ventures in an incubator-type model.

The debate came much to the chagrin of the Coupeville Maritime Heritage Foundation, which spoke of the schooner’s first year success and its contributions to Coupeville and the port specifically.

“It offered a historic maritime experience for hundreds of people,” said foundation member Wylie Vracin. “We feel the Suva is being punished by bringing more and more people to the wharf.”

Suva representatives came to a special meeting last week and actually requested the port reduce moorage rates even further from what was paid in 2015.

Over a six-month season Suva paid more than $9,000 in moorage fees, not included the $1 per head passenger fee charge.

Last year the Suva paid 25 cents per linear foot during the week and 50 cents on weekends. The normal weekend rate is $1.

Foundation members said they hope to spend this year getting the work done they need to get the certification to host larger charters.

Once the Suva is up and running with all the needed certification, foundation members aim to have the schooner be self-sufficient, providing jobs and bringing money back to the wharf.

The Maritime Heritage Foundation was formed to celebrate Coupeville’s maritime heritage and support the wharf, said Mark Saia, foundation member. Eventually money raised by Suva will be donated to help preserve the wharf.

After debating back and forth, commissioners John Mishasek and Mike Diamanti agreed fostering the Suva for another year was not an unusual type of project for ports and while they are potentially losing money on moorage now during the busy season, eventually the wharf will gain from having the schooner there.

The majority voted to maintain Suva rates the same as last year.