Oyster beds in Wareham will remain closed until 2015 so that the stocks may be replenished.

Selectmen made the decision Tuesday following a presentation by Harbormaster Garry Buckminster.

Onset Bay used to be flush with oysters but dredging, overfishing and a disease called "dermo" have decimated the oyster population.

Commercial oystering has been shut down since December 28, 2012, and recreational oystering was shut down in January of this year. Noting that the state allows for the oyster fisheries to remain closed a total of three years, Buckminster recommended keeping the closure in effect.

"I strongly recommend finishing off the closure period," said Buckminster. "It's a fishery that's been here over 100 years. ... We're really doing what we can to protect it."

Buckminster originally asked that oystering be shut down for two additional years, but the Selectmen were not keen on the idea.

Selectman Alan Slavin asked whether or not there has been any financial impact to the town due to the closure, and Buckminster said the revenue from shellfish permitting has remained steady.

The Selectmen ultimately voted to the oyster closure until January 29, 2015, with the stipulation that they are provided with biannual reports and a management plan six months before the beds are reopened.

"We've really jumped into this oyster program with both feet," said Buckminster.

The harbormaster noted that the town's upweller system, which is basically a nursery for tiny oysters to grow in, has been producing positive results for the department. When 50,000 oysters were put in the upwellers last June, they were about 2 millimeters in size. Now, according to Buckminster, they have grown to approximately 2 to 2¼ inches.

Selectman Judy Whiteside expressed optimism about the program, saying: "I think this is a very worthwhile endeavor."