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 Frees Entangled Leatherback Turtle in Cape Cod Bay
The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) Marine Animal Entanglement Response (MAER) team disentangled a leatherback sea turtle Wednesday, July 9, in Cape Cod Bay. The relatively young turtle had become entangled in fishing gear and dragged the fishing gear into three...
Tunicates Prevent Eelgrass Seed Collection in Little Pleasant Bay
On June 25, 2025, during peak eelgrass reproduction in southern New England, a Boston University research team, with help from the Center for Coastal Studies, attempted to collect reproductive shoots for seed-based restoration from an eelgrass meadow near Pah Wah...
Dolphin Fleet, Center for Coastal Studies to Offer Guided Tours of Provincetown Harbor
This summer, visitors have an opportunity to take a deeper dive into the history and ecology of Provincetown Harbor with tours aboard the Dolphin Fleet guided by naturalists from the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS). The new Science in the Harbor Tours are offered...
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.
2024 Coastwatch
Read the latest issue of COASTWATCH, a look back at the research, rescue, and educational activities of 2024,
together with the 2023 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
