There is a study underway as part of an effort to make one of the world’s most dangerous industries safer.

The injury and death rates in commercial fishing are significantly higher than in other sectors and while safety training exists, adopting new practices can take some time.

A study based out of the Marine Institute in St. John’s is looking at the safety question from a different angle, exploring a potential link between empathy and how people who earn their living from the ocean are perceived.

Tonya Whittle, project lead, is using a method called “grounded theory,” which involves letting stories from the people on the water tell the tale.

She’s interested in hearing from any harvester who has a story to tell or thoughts to convey.

Anyone who’s interested in participating can cont

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