On September 23, 2005, Janice Gadiare Fleuriel interviewed Fred Mattera as part of the Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project. Fred discusses his Italian heritage, his grandparents’ immigration to the United States, and growing up in Rhode Island. Originally planning to finish his degree and attend law school, he became fascinated with the competitive nature and financial prospects of fishing, and he decided to forgo law school to pursue a career at sea. Starting off, he and his crew faced initial challenges being accepted into the tight-knit fishing community of Point Judith, which was predominantly composed of old-school fishermen. However, they eventually became part of the local fishing cooperative, and Fred talks about the camaraderie and support among fishermen, even in the midst of competition. Throughout his fishing career, Fred encountered numerous influential figures who supported and guided him. One such person was John Dikestra, a skilled and respected fisherman known for his quiet demeanor.  Fred recounts how health concerns led him to reconsider his career path and pursue a career focused on safety and advocacy for fishermen. As he works to change the safety culture within the fishing industry, he faces resistance from some captains and owners who question the need for additional training and protocols. However, he hopes that by implementing safety programs and training initiatives, the entire fishing community will become more safety-conscious, ensuring the well-being of fishermen and reducing the likelihood of accidents and tragedies at sea.