PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • December 4, 2025
Boating through familiar waters near The Brothers islands in Casco Bay, Michael Scafuro and Rachel White were excited. After two years of work, they were going to sample for the first time oysters that they had grown in their aquaculture operation. “We pulled up and it was completely gone. There was nothing there. We were just shocked, and it felt surreal,” said White, 40. “It still does. It was a lifelong dream that we had just finally started.” Maine Marine Patrol, assisted by the anti-poaching nonprofit Maine Operation Game Thief, is investigating the possible theft of the 40,000 oysters and 14 aquaculture cages from Falmouth waters. The missing gear and shellfish are valued at nearly $20,000.