In what authorities are calling a brazen and costly theft, a Falmouth oyster farmer has lost years of work and nearly $20,000 in product after criminals made off with 14 aquaculture cages and roughly 40,000 oysters growing near The Brothers Islands in Casco Bay.
Maine Operation Game Thief is now offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to a conviction in the case.
Portland farmer Michael Scafuro discovered the theft on November 22 when he checked his aquaculture site and found the cages, many holding oysters ready for sale, gone. Marine Patrol officers searched the area to determine whether the equipment might have broken free, but no debris or gear was recovered. Only the ropes, anchors, and buoys used to secure the cages remained.
Marine Patrol Sgt. Matthew Sinclair called the situation “devastating” for Scafuro, noting that oyster farming requires years of investment before harvesting.
“It can take years to grow oysters to market size, so he has lost that investment of time and money in addition to his valuable equipment and the income from the sale of these oysters,” Sinclair said.
Anyone with information can submit anonymous tips at maineogt.org/report-a-violation/ or call 800-ALERT-US.
The theft qualifies as a Class B felony under Maine law, carrying up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
