Captain Trip Whilden has been a commercial fisherman for over 30 years. He caught his first lobster at 10 years old after moving to Rhode Island from Vermont. His first job in the industry was aboard the Ellen June in Point Judith, R.I., in 1989. Since becoming a commercial fisherman, Whilden has had only one job on land, lasting just one month before returning to the sea. Trip oversees Whilden Fisheries, which includes the F/V Gale.

Meet Gage: He literally grew up on the Matrix, starting his journey on the water when he was just four years old! After fishing through high school and serving in the Coast Guard, he returned home to take the lead in running the family farm. Now a newlywed to River and a proud dad to baby Luna, Gage serves as our Mate / Deckboss. He is the driving force on the water, managing every one of the company’s fisheries—from oysters, sea bass, lobsters, crabs, and even kelp! As the engineer of the operation , he is hands-on with all boat maintenance and specialized gear for every fishery, ensuring the entire fleet is rigged for success.

Kevin has been working as a fisherman in Rhode Island for 45 years. He’s done everything you can think of when it comes to fishing—harpooning swordfish, dragging, scalloping, even freezer fishing. After a brief attempt at retirement, Kevin joined the team at Fox Island. As a picker, he selects only the finest oysters for our restaurant partners.

Meet Alicia: She started with us in 2022 while at URI, leaving Middle America behind after falling completely in love with the ocean. She quickly proved to be a great, forward-thinking Deck Boss for the crew. While she’s currently enjoying a well-deserved walkabout in New Zealand (and finding time for surfing and spearfishing!), there will always be a spot waiting for her back at Wickford Oyster Co."

Meet Jordan: From teenage years on deck to being the solo master of the back deck. She's not just a top-tier deckhand—she's also the friendly face delivering the freshest Wickford Oysters right to your door."

Meet Caden: At just 21 years old, he’s already a seasoned veteran, having worked on the boat since he was 12. After getting his start on the oyster farm, he’s now a key powerhouse in the lobster operation and remains an absolutely essential part of the crew.

Introducing Thomas, a.k.a. 'TM': He's not just the latest member of Whilden Fisheries, he's a great team player who is rapidly fitting in! A highly capable, versatile, and forward-thinking deckhand, TM seamlessly takes the position on both the oyster and lobster boats on any given day, taking his job seriously."

Meet Chief (Mr. Tom Bowen): A former Chief of the Castle Hill Coast Guard and a veteran South County Sheriff, Chief joined the crew during the pandemic as a volunteer on the oyster boat. He quickly became a true friend, helping on the dock and delivering oysters. Though he’s since moved to "warmer pastures" out of state, he is always welcome back aboard Team Matrix. We’ll always remember him for his love of the last ride of the day—especially when he brought along plenty of watermelon to share!

Our welder, fabricator, and all-around 'fix-it' guy for over 20 years. He’s the one you can count on to get you out of a jam—even if it’s a Sunday at 10pm. If it’s broken, Johnny’s the man who makes it right.

Though she’s not much of a sailor, Maya has arguably been the backbone of the crew since 2013.

Say hello to Waffles! The newest member of the DDHDS (Dock Dwellers Historic Diving and Salvage) crew. Originally from Russia, Waffles provides essential services like being a great boat dog and enjoying regular treats.

Olivia Mazzone has worked in fishing and aquaculture for four years. A marine biology student, Olivia contributes her scientific knowledge to the oyster farm and ensures Fox Island Oysters are the best in the bay.

Meet Casey: Coming from a family of dedicated people, his own commitment runs deep—he's been helping around the boat during academic breaks for years! Now graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering (and a background on the URI swim team), he brings his love for the water and his technical skills back to the deck." here

Meet Jack: A man of few words, but completely focused on the task at hand. When he's not working, you'll find him pursuing his other passion: fishing for Stripers off the dock. He is currently on a well-deserved 'holiday' and we look forward to his return!"

The man with the plan its Pauly! Pauly manages deliveries for the company. He ensures restaurants receive their daily shipments of premier oysters. If you’ve eaten a Fox Island oyster—and you’d know if you’d had—Pauly is the guy who made it all happen.

“Texas Red” to those who know him, Jon grew up landlocked but has since left “land bull****” behind him. A skilled diesel mechanic, Jon lends his talents to Wickford Oyster Co as our deck boss. When he’s not on board the matrix, you can bet he’s sailing mid Atlantic, eating nachos, and listening to mariachi music.

The most recent addition to the crew, Haley joined the team as a deckhand in the fall of 2022. Despite being the frequent victim of photobombing, Haley loves oyster farming and all things aquaculture.