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
Second Annual Right Whale Day Highlights Gains, Challenges. “Stormy” Mayo Honored
In a special event at the New England Aquarium in Boston on Wednesday, government agencies and organizations dedicated to the protection of the North Atlantic right whale came together to mark the second annual Right Whale Day. Director of the Center for Coastal...
Charles “Stormy” Mayo to be Honored on Massachusetts Right Whale Day
Dr. Charles “Stormy” Mayo, Director of the Center for Coastal Studies’ Right Whale Ecology Program, will be honored by lawmakers tomorrow on Massachusetts Right Whale Day, at an event at the New England Aquarium. Mayo is retiring next month after a distinguished...
Public Celebration Planned to Honor “Stormy” Mayo’s Retirement
The public is invited to celebrate the retirement of Dr. Charles “Stormy” Mayo, co-founder of the Center for Coastal Studies, and salute the contributions he has made toward the conservation and study of our marine environment. The sendoff celebration will take place...
A Celebration of Stormy!
On Friday, May 10th, we celebrated the retirement of Charles “Stormy” Mayo, Ph.D. at a party at Provincetown Town Hall! Thank you to everyone who contributed to this special evening, and to the Charles G. Wright Endowment for Humanity for sponsoring the event. Please enjoy photographs of the event captured and generously provided by photographers Michael and Suz Karchmer.
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