research
Our research is collaborative, interdisciplinary, and focused on finding sustainable solutions to the important issues facing our coastal communities and marine ecosystems.
rescue
The Marine Animal Entanglement Response (MAER) program is an emergency, field-based conservation effort with staff on call 24/7 to rescue and document whales and sea turtles entangled in fishing gear.
education
CCS promotes stewardship, raises awareness, and increases understanding of marine and coastal environments through a wide variety of audiences through curriculum-based classroom lessons, experiences in the field, and public outreach events.
Recent News
From Student to Steward, CCS Educational Outreach Inspires Science Career
Recent college graduate Irene “Queenie” Turner is the new research technician in the Water Quality Monitoring Program at the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS). While the job is new, it’s a dream that was years in the making, thanks in part to the CCS’ Education...
Center for Coastal Studies Announces October-November 2025 Marine Debris Activities
The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) will host several marine debris cleanup opportunities in October and November. Volunteers are invited to join shoreline cleanups on Cape Cod and in Fairhaven, and to participate in the debris data collection and documentation. Cape...
Peddocks Island 2025 Cleanup – A Transformative Experience
Blog post by Tony LaCasse From September 14 -17, 2025, twenty-eight members of the Center for Coastal Studies Beach Brigade collaborated with the Massachusetts Dept. of Conservation and Recreation on an "adventure cleanup" of Peddocks Island in Boston Harbor. Tony's...
Homeport by the Bay Gala
On Wednesday, Sept, 24, 2025 the Center for Coastal Studies hosted our annual Homeport by the Bay fundraising gala at the Wequassett Resort on Pleasant Bay in Harwich. Please enjoy these photos of the event generously provided by Michael and Sue Karchmer.
2024 Coastwatch
Read the latest issue of COASTWATCH, a look back at the research, rescue, and educational activities of 2024,
together with the 2023 Annual Report.
Upcoming Events
Get Involved
The Center for Coastal Studies is an independent, non-profit, member supported organization whose mission is to understand and protect our coastal communities and marine ecosystems. The ocean and its spectacular diversity belong to all of us. You can support our critical work by becoming a member, volunteering your time, making a donation, or shopping our store.
become a member
As a new or renewing member of the Center for Coastal Studies, you are making an active contribution to the study and conservation of the Gulf of Maine, home to the great whales of the North Atlantic and the many other fantastic varieties of wildlife for which it serves as a primary habitat.
meet our supporters
The Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) is a grant program whose mission is to support projects that enable innovative approaches to protect and restore natural resources. The Center for Coastal Studies Humpback Whale Studies, Right Whale Ecology, Marine Animal Entanglement Response, and Water Quality Monitoring programs all receive funding via the MET’s Environmental License Plate program. Visit their website for more information.
Global Seas Sponsors
Atlantic Ocean Sponsors
