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.

Gage grew up fishing and lobstering in Rhode Island. Now he captains the F/V Matrix and runs Fox Island Oyster Farm. He is a Sagittarius.

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 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!"

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."

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

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.