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
Center for Coastal Studies Offers Spring Whale Walks
Starting March 27 and extending through the month of April, the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) offers guided whale walks along the beaches of Provincetown. “Cape Cod is one of the best places on Earth to watch whales from shore. It’s not uncommon for them to swim...
Napi’s Winter Lecture Series to Conclude with Talk on Cape Cod’s Geologic Evolution
The Center for Coastal Studies’ popular Napi’s Winter Lecture Series concludes on Wednesday, March 25, at 5 pm with Dr. Katie Castagno, Director of the Center’s Land-Sea Interaction Program. Dr. Castagno will speak about “The Land-Sea Interaction Program Through...
Center for Coastal Studies Launches New Protocol to Encourage International Seagrass Research
Coinciding with World Seagrass Day on March 1, researchers at the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) have announced the release of a new seagrass monitoring protocol they hope will greatly expand seagrass research around the world. Seagrass is a vital natural resource...
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.
2025 Coastwatch
Read the latest issue of COASTWATCH, a look back at the research, rescue, and educational activities of 2024,
together with the 2024 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
