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
Volunteers Make a Difference in Wellfleet Bay
Tanned from a summer of volunteer work on the water, and wearing Center for Coastal Studies T-shirts and zip-up sweatshirts, Barbara Brennessel and Nick Picariello meet Jenn Burkhardt, a researcher from the Center’s Water Quality Monitoring Program, at the dock in...
Center for Coastal Studies Announces September-October 2025 Marine Debris Activities
The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) will host several marine debris cleanup opportunities in September and October. Volunteers are invited to join shoreline cleanups on Cape Cod and in Boston and to participate in the debris data collection and documentation. BOSTON...
New England GEAR Team Launches Coalition Website
The GEAR (Gear Extraction And Response) Team is a regional coalition made up of six organizations located throughout New England, all focused on removing and responsibly disposing of fishing gear debris. Each organization specializes in a different aspect of fishing...
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
