The National Shellfisheries Association is a not-for-profit 501c3 corporation registered in the state of Maryland. The objectives and the purposes of the Association are:
To encourage research on molluscs, crustaceans, and associated organisms with emphasis on species of economic importance known as “shellfish”.
To gather and disseminate scientific and technical information on shellfish.
To promote and advance shellfisheries research and the application of results to the shellfish industry.
To hold annual meetings for presentation, exchange, and discussion of information on scientific and professional aspects of shellfish research and management.