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
White shark scientists share insights in Australia: A Q&A with CCS shark ecologist Bryan Legare
Q: In November you attended an international shark conference in Australia. That’s a long way to go, so it must be an important conference. And certainly, Australia is home to a large population of sharks. Can you tell us about the conference? A: The conference is...
CCS researchers make season’s first sighting of North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay
PROVINCETOWN, MA – Researchers from the Center for Coastal Studies spotted four to seven endangered North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay yesterday, Jan. 24, 2024. The sighting occurred aboard the Center’s research vessel Shearwater, operating out of...
Nauset students to explore the Cape’s shifting sands
Students in the Nauset School System will soon have a new opportunity to learn about the world right under their feet. They’ll study Cape Cod’s coastal geology, conduct field research, and analyze their findings in a new program at the Center for Coastal Studies. The...
Celebrate Stormy!
Friday, May 10, 7 – 10 pm
Join the Center for Coastal Studies at Provincetown Town Hall to celebrate the career of CCS co-founder and Director of the Right Whale Ecology Program, Charles “Stormy” Mayo, Ph.D.
Desserts & Snacks
Cash Bar
Live Music
Roast and Toast Stormy! (Roast speakers must sign up in advance.) Email Laura Stinson to add your voice to the Roast Roster!
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