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
Intensive Three-Day Cleanup Set for Hull’s Northeast Shoreline
After three years of careful planning, the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) Marine Debris & Plastics Program, in partnership with the Town of Hull and with support from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MA DMF), is launching an ambitious, three-day...
Center for Coastal Studies to Host Right Whale Day Events
The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) will mark Massachusetts Right Whale Day, Friday, April 24, with three special public events. In addition, a special film screening is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22. Artmaking event Right Whale Day begins with a free artmaking...
Center for Coastal Studies to Host Cornell University Students for Marine Debris Residency
For the fourth consecutive year, the Center for Coastal Studies' Marine Debris and Plastics Program (CCS MDPP) will host students and their professor from Cornell University for a week-long residency March 29th through April 4th, during which they will learn the ropes...
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
