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
The Marine Education and Outreach program 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
Update: Entangled North Atlantic Right Whale “Cottontail”
October 31, 2020 The CCS Marine Animal Entanglement Response team (MAER) is continuing to track an entangled North Atlantic right whale identified as #3920, nicknamed Cottontail. Cottontail, an 11-year-old male, was found by the CCS aerial survey team on October 19,...
Two Tons of Trash Removed From Provincetown, National Seashore Beaches
October 20, 2020 While many research activities across the country have necessarily been restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic, beach debris cleanups are one of the few activities that can be conducted safely, as participants wear masks and gloves and can maintain...
Sea Change 2020: Center for Coastal Studies Provincetown Goes Virtual for Fall Events
Free online film festival and auction to support the oceans, research, education, outreach, and future disentanglements Provincetown, MA (September 23, 2020) - In response to the pandemic, the Center for Coastal Studies Provincetown has transformed its much-celebrated...
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.