Maine Authorities Offer $5K Reward Over Theft of Oysters & Gear

A $5,000 reward is being offered after $20,000 in oysters and equipment were stolen in Falmouth.

Maine Marine Patrol Offers $5K Reward Over Theft of Oysters

The reward is being offered by Maine's Operation Game Thief and the Maine Marine Patrol to anyone who provides a tip that leads to a conviction in this crime.

Michael Scafuro of Portland checked his site near the Brothers Islands in Casco Bay on November 22, 2025, and noticed something amiss.

He contacted the Maine Marine Patrol and reported that 14 aquaculture cages and 40,000 oysters, many of which were ready for sale, were missing.

The estimated value of the missing items was nearly $20,000.

Maine Marine Patrol Says Oysters and Their Cages Were Stolen in Falmouth

MMP officials investigated the area to determine whether the gear could have broken free of the anchors that hold it in place, but no gear was found.

In addition, they found the rope, anchors, and buoys that hold the gear in place were still there, but the cages that held the oysters were gone.

Maine Marine Patrol Sergeant Matthew Sinclair says this kind of loss is devastating for a small businessman like Scafuro.

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.

Maine's Operation Game Thief Offers $5K Reward for Info About Stolen Oysters

Now, Maine Operation Game Thief is offering a $5,000 reward to anyone with an anonymous tip that leads to a conviction.

The penalty for theft of property valued at over $10,000 in Maine is a maximum of 10 years in prison and/or a fine of $20,000.

Those tips can be left online, by calling 800-ALERT-US (800-253-7887), or with any Maine Marine Patrol officer.

We'll update this story as more details become available.