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
CCS researchers make season’s first sighting of North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay
During aerial surveys on December 5th and 6th, scientists from the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) Right Whale Ecology Program observed ten endangered North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay. These were the first such sightings of the 2025-2026 field season in...
Unique encounter with right whale off Boston reveals unusual European connection
Scientists match right whale to individual seen off Ireland in July 2024 Researchers have discovered that a North Atlantic right whale recently sighted in Massachusetts waters is the same individual reported off Ireland last year, an extraordinary connection showing...
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...
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
