Law enforcement officials in the U.S. state of Maine are investigating the apparent theft of 40,000 oysters and 14 cages from an aquaculture operation in Falmouth, Maine.
According to the Maine Department of Marine Resources, Portland, Maine, resident Michael Scafuro discovered the theft of his oysters and equipment on 22 November while checking his site in Casco Bay. Scafuro reported to DMR that 14 oyster cages holding roughly 40,000 oysters had been stolen.
A subsequent search by the Maine Marine Patrol was not able to locate the missing gear, though the rope, anchors, and buoys that had been attached to the cages were still in place.
“This is a devastating situation for a small businessman like Mr. Scafuro, especially as we head into the holidays,” Marine Patrol Sergeant Matthew Sinclair said. “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.”
The total value of the product and equipment stolen is estimated at USD 20,000 (EUR 17,026).
The Maine Marine Patrol is now investigating with support from Maine Operation Game Thief – a nonprofit organization that supports wildlife investigations in the state. The latter organization is offering a USD 5,000 (EUR 4,257) reward for tips that lead to a conviction. The culprit faces penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to USD 20,000.
“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. “We also encourage anyone who has information about this situation to contact your local Marine Patrol Officer.”
