Dennis, MA – Cape & Islands Aquaculture’s (CAIA) first season on Bass River in Dennis last summer was a success, and they are excited to continue their endeavors this summer. Utilizing a state-of-the-art land-based upweller system for the harvesting of oyster seeds, CAIA was able to harvest over 500,000 seeds for local oyster farmers.
The use of a land-based upweller system allowed Cape & Islands Aquaculture to efficiently produce a large volume of high-quality oyster seeds in a controlled environment. This method not only ensures a higher survival rate for the oyster seeds, but also allows for more consistent growth, resulting in healthier and more robust oysters.
Building on the success of their first season, CAIA is now gearing up for an even more ambitious second season. The team, made up of three Cape Cod residents- David Holt, Matt Kais and Brandon Small, is aiming to harvest 2 million oyster seeds this season, utilizing both the upweller silos and a new bottle upweller system. This expansion will enable CAIA to increase their production capacity and continue to support the local oyster farming industry.
One of the key benefits of using a portable upweller system is its versatility and efficiency. Unlike traditional methods that can expose the seed to uncontrollable elements, CAIA’s land based unit gives them more control and visibility for a stable growth environment, while leaving no footprint to the location.
In addition to the benefits of the upweller system, the presence of oysters in the Bass River environment also has numerous benefits. Oysters are natural filter feeders, meaning they help improve water quality by filtering out pollutants such as nitrogen. By cultivating oysters in the river, CAIA is not only supporting the local economy, but also promoting a healthier and more sustainable ecosystem.
CAIA is excited to continue their work on Bass River and looks forward to a successful second season. For more information about Cape & Islands Aquaculture and their oyster farming operations, please visit www.capeandislandsaquaculture.com.