THE NSA MISSION IS TO PROTECT & PRESERVE NANTUCKET’S HARBORS, WATER QUALITY, AND SHELLFISHERIES.

From responding to Nantucket Bay scallop seed strandings to leading the NSA Harbor Debris Clean Up Initiative, NSA takes direct action to protect Nantucket’s harbors, water quality, and shellfisheries.

We also collaborate with the Town of Nantucket, commercial shellfishers, scientists, nonprofit organizations, and community partners on projects that support harbor health and sustainable marine resources.

In 2025, NSA completed Phase One of the Harbor Debris Clean Up Initiative, removing more than 3,500 pounds of submerged hazardous debris from Nantucket Harbor. Planning and fundraising are now underway for Phase Two, including comprehensive seabed mapping to identify additional debris and guide future cleanup efforts.

In the fall of 2024, NSA launched recreational and student scalloping programs that introduced adults and middle school students to Nantucket Bay scallops through hands-on experiences on and around the water.

These early programs evolved into Harbor to Future, NSA’s year-round youth education initiative focused on shellfish, marine science, water quality, and harbor stewardship.

Since its launch, Harbor to Future has engaged more than 150 students through over 43 sessions. During summer 2026, the program expanded into a 28-session partnership with the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club and will continue growing through collaboration with Nantucket Public Schools.

NSA hosts four ticketed events each year that bring our island community together to celebrate Nantucket shellfish, our working waterfront, and the people and traditions that make them special.

The NSA Shellfish Trilogy, generously hosted in partnership with Cisco Brewers, includes NSA Scallopalooza in April, NSA OysterFest in June, and NSA Clam Jam in November.

Each October, the NSA Scallopers Ball is hosted in partnership with the Nantucket Yacht Club to celebrate the opening of Nantucket’s commercial Bay scallop season.

These signature events would not be possible without participating shellfishers, local businesses, chefs, volunteers, and members of our island community. Together, they raise awareness and essential funding for NSA’s programs, scholarships, grants, and harbor health initiatives.

Each year, NSA awards scholarships to Nantucket students pursuing college studies connected to marine science, environmental sustainability, aquaculture, fisheries, and related fields.

In 2024, NSA awarded $15,000 in scholarships to three students.

In 2026, with increased support from donors, businesses, and funding partners, NSA expanded the program significantly, awarding five $10,000 scholarships for a total investment of $50,000.

Through this program, NSA is helping prepare the next generation of scientists, environmental leaders, marine professionals, and harbor stewards.

NSA provides funding to Nantucket shellfishers, aquaculture farmers, and organizations whose work supports healthy shellfish populations and sustainable local fisheries.

Recent investments have included support for Nantucket oyster farmers, commercial Bay scallopers, and the Nantucket Clam Pilot Program, an initiative exploring opportunities to strengthen and expand the island’s quahog fishery.

By supporting innovative projects and the people working directly on the water, NSA helps turn local knowledge and promising ideas into meaningful action.

NSA supports scientists, researchers, nonprofits, and educational institutions whose work advances understanding of Nantucket’s shellfisheries, eelgrass habitats, water quality, and harbor health.

Recent funding has supported the Nantucket Land & Water Council, the Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative, and the Brant Point Shellfish Hatchery, as well as research into seagrass wasting disease, eelgrass habitat, scallop populations, stormwater runoff, and other environmental factors affecting Nantucket’s waters.

These investments help provide the science and information needed to make informed decisions about the future of our harbors and shellfisheries.

NSA is working to relaunch the Fishermen’s Council as a forum for Nantucket’s commercial shellfishers and aquaculture community to discuss industry challenges, share knowledge, and help inform NSA’s future priorities and initiatives.

NSA connects the community with shellfishers, scientists, educators, and harbor leaders through talks, panel discussions, and educational presentations.

These conversations help residents, visitors, clubs, schools, and community organizations better understand Nantucket’s shellfisheries, the challenges facing our harbors, and the people working to protect them.

Organizations interested in hosting an NSA presentation or community conversation are encouraged to contact us.