Port Stephens oyster farmers are calling the theft of 350 dozen oysters an inside job.
The farmers at two Karuah oyster farms are counting the cost of the 22,000 oysters which were stolen last weekend.
They've told the Herald they suspect the thieves have a very good working knowledge of the industry and a ready-made supply chain to sell the oysters which are currently in short supply.
The farmers believe the thieves would have arrived by boat.
They also stole two chainsaws and some wet weather gear.
