In 2003, a group of concerned islanders established the Nantucket Shellfish Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with the aim of protecting and promoting the Nantucket shell fishing industry.  The Nantucket Shellfish Association encourages research and education for the conservation and enhancement of shellfish populations in the waters of  Nantucket Island; and  it works to assure prudent commercial and recreational harvesting of shellfish in support of a diversified economic base for the Nantucket community.