The National Shellfisheries Association, founded in 1908, is an international organization comprised of scientists, management officials, and industry members. It focuses on the study and sustainable management of shellfish resources including clams, oysters, mussels, scallops, snails, shrimp, lobsters, crabs, and other important species. The association is dedicated to the biology, ecology, production, economics, and management of these resources.
The George R. Abbe Student Research Grant, established in 2013, is a competitive award offered annually by the National Shellfisheries Association to support exceptional research in crustacean biology and fisheries management. It provides a $1,250 grant to NSA student members pursuing non-travel-related research expenses for a Master’s or Ph.D. degree. Named after George R. Abbe, a distinguished member and past President of NSA, the grant particularly values research on long-term population monitoring and species like the Chesapeake Bay blue crab and eastern oysters.