Start your shellfish harvest with Cape & Islands Aquaculture, Inc. seeds- cultivated for success.

Cape & Islands Aquaculture, Inc. (CAIA) is dedicated to providing high-quality shellfish seed through a sustainable cultivation method using mobile upwellers.

Shellfish upwelling is a process where nutrient rich seawater is drawn up through silos holding the animals. The flow then runs up to the drain(s) and is reintroduced to the water body it was drawn from. The constant flow provides non-stop feeding to the animals supporting healthy, consistent growth. Within this controlled environment, seed densities can be closely maintained for optimal growth and shell formation.

This process allows CAIA to be an efficient and reliable resource for our farming partners.

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Meet the CAIA Team

Meet the team behind Cape & Islands Aquaculture, Inc., the innovative shellfish seed grower founded by Cape Cod community members in 2023. We take pride in our work. Our mission is to provide sustainable and reliable sources of shellfish seeds to Cape Cod and beyond, with a focus on recognizing the lack of current solutions.

Join us on our mission to bring more shellfish to our coastal communities.

The founders of CAIA: Brandon Small, David Holt and Matt Kais (left to right)

Brandon Small

Brandon Small is a lifelong resident of Cape Cod and takes great pride in his deep connection to its waterways. He highly appreciates the unique lifestyle that the Cape offers and makes it a point to instill this appreciation in his family. He has always been committed to supporting new and innovative opportunities, and his partnership with Cape & Islands Aquaculture aligns perfectly with this goal.

With over 25 years of experience in the marine industry, Brandon has worked in various capacities ranging from commercial to recreational boating. Most recently, he served as a representative for marine manufacturers. During a significant portion of his career, he managed a successful oyster farm on Cape Cod. It was in this role that he acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively farm shellfish and navigate through any challenges that arose.

David Holt

Growing up, my parents instilled in me the values of honesty, hard work, and the pursuit of success. These lessons have stayed with me throughout my life and have shaped me into the person I am today. In addition, my involvement in sports taught me the importance of teamwork, commitment, and dedication, qualities that are essential in any endeavor we undertake.

Being a member of the Cape & Islands Aquaculture team allows me to express my gratitude as a real estate broker while indulging in my fervor for the Cape Cod shellfishing industry. The CAIA's core values - integrity, diligence, and a commitment to exceptional performance - resonate with my own beliefs. Consequently, I am certain that I can continue to contribute to the community, whether it be through facilitating real estate transactions or harvesting shellfish seeds.

Matt Kais

Matt Kais is a seasoned entrepreneur, marketer, and strategist who has now taken on an addition role as the Chief Operating Officer at Cape & Islands Aquaculture. He is also a managing partner at Brand Accomplished, a branding agency that helps businesses build their brands through strategic branding, design, and communication.

With extensive experience in brand development, digital marketing, and business development, Matt's entrepreneurial mindset and strategic approach have led to success in various ventures.

As COO at Cape & Islands Aquaculture, he oversees all operational aspects, aiming to make the company a significant player in the sustainable shellfish industry and support local economies while preserving marine ecosystems.

Start your shellfish harvest with Cape & Islands Aquaculture, Inc. seeds- cultivated for success.

Meet the CAIA Team

The founders of CAIA: Brandon Small, David Holt and Matt Kais (left to right)

The Cape & Islands Aquaculture Upweller at Bass River Marina