The Maine Marine Patrol said it is investigating the suspected theft of oysters and aquaculture equipment from a Falmouth, Maine, site in Casco Bay, with Maine Operation Game Thief offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.

The missing property includes 14 aquaculture cages and an estimated 40,000 oysters — many ready for market — valued at nearly $20,000, authorities said. The site is held by Michael Scafuro of Portland and is located near The Brothers Islands.

According to Marine Patrol, Scafuro last checked the site on Nov. 22, 2025, and reported the missing gear and oysters after discovering they were gone. Officers searched the surrounding area to determine whether the equipment may have broken free from its anchors, but no gear was found.

Investigators said the rope, anchors, and buoys that secure the site remained in place, while the cages used to cultivate the oysters — and the oysters themselves — were missing, leading authorities to believe the loss was the result of theft.

“This is a devastating situation for a small businessman like Mr. Scafuro, especially as we head into the holidays,” said Marine Patrol Sgt. Matthew Sinclair. “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.”

“We are fortunate that Operation Game Thief has partnered with us and is offering a strong incentive to anyone who can provide information that leads us to a perpetrator,” Sinclair said.

Operation Game Thief, a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supports investigations conducted by Maine wildlife enforcement officials. Anonymous tips can be submitted online here or by calling 800-ALERT-US (800-253-7887).

“We also encourage anyone who has information about this situation to contact your local Marine Patrol Officer,” Sinclair said. Contact information for Marine Patrol officers is available here.