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
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...
CCS Joins New Society in the Bay of Fundy Dedicated to Studying and Protecting Humpback Whales and Other Marine Mammals
Press release from the Bay of Fundy Whale Research and Conservation Society, June 6, 2025: The Bay of Fundy is one of nature’s true wonders, home to the world’s highest tides—reaching up to 16 meters—and a rich underwater landscape that creates ideal feeding grounds...
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
