While a new study on Vibrio looks at possible causes, from warming seas to increased demand, Vineyard growers are using various techniques to combat the bacteria during the hottest months.

Under a silvery gray sky this week, brothers Dan and Greg Martino motored out from Lagoon Pond to their oyster farm off Eastville.

Charles Dickens had two out of three right when he spoke of oysters as “secret, and self-contained, and solitary.”

Katama Bay oyster farms reopened for business Thursday morning after a two-week closure because of Vibrio illness traced to consumption of raw oysters harvested from the water. The 12 aquaculture farms operating on the bay were back up and running early Thursday.

As Katama Bay oyster farms remain closed because of Vibrio illness tied to raw oysters, scientists are using the bay as a testing ground to understand more about the bacteria and how it interacts with oysters.

Katama Bay oyster farms will remain closed for another week following additional confirmed cases of Vibrio illness tied to the area, a state Department of Marine Fisheries official said Tuesday afternoon. Chris Schillaci told oyster farmers that handling is not the problem.

Katama Bay oyster farms have been closed for a week because of three cases of confirmed cases of Vibrio parahaemolyticus illness tied to consumption of raw oysters from the area, state officials announced Wednesday.

Oak Bluffs has reached an agreement with an Eastville homeowner who had sued the town over an aquaculture venture near his home.

An Oak Bluffs resident is challenging the award of an aquaculture license at Eastville Beach. Jacob H. Ludwig 3rd is asking the superior court to overturn a decision to grant Dan and Greg Martino an aquaculture license.

With Vibrio an ongoing concern, guidelines for handling and transporting oysters are expected to be revised again. Vineyard oyster farmers have been exemplary in adhering to protocols, state officials said.