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 observe season’s first North Atlantic right whale mothers and calves in Cape Cod Bay
Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) aerial observers marked an important annual milestone today, with the season’s first sighting of North Atlantic right whale mothers and their calves in Cape Cod Bay. This was the busiest survey of the season so far, with an...
Center for Coastal Studies Offers Spring Whale Walks
Starting March 27 and extending through the month of April, the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) offers guided whale walks along the beaches of Provincetown. “Cape Cod is one of the best places on Earth to watch whales from shore. It’s not uncommon for them to swim...
Napi’s Winter Lecture Series to Conclude with Talk on Cape Cod’s Geologic Evolution
The Center for Coastal Studies’ popular Napi’s Winter Lecture Series concludes on Wednesday, March 25, at 5 pm with Dr. Katie Castagno, Director of the Center’s Land-Sea Interaction Program. Dr. Castagno will speak about “The Land-Sea Interaction Program Through...
50 Years of Science that Matters
In 1976, three scientists came together in Provincetown with a shared belief: that protecting the marine environment starts with long-term, field-based research. Fifty years later, the Center for Coastal Studies is still on the water, in the field, and in our community — studying whales, rescuing entangled marine animals, monitoring the health of Cape Cod Bay, and inspiring the next generation of ocean stewards.
Join us throughout 2026 as we celebrate five decades of Science that Matters — explore our founding story, meet the people who built the Center, and see what’s ahead for the next 50 years.
Homeport by the Bay
Join us for a special 50th anniversary edition of Homeport, the Center for Coastal Studies’ signature annual fundraising gala,
on Friday, Oct. 16, at the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club on beautiful Pleasant Bay in Harwich!
CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION AND TICKETS
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.
Our Sponsors
Global Seas Sponsors
Atlantic Ocean Sponsors
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.
