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 Disentangles Humpback Whale in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary – the Second this Week
The Marine Animal Entanglement Response team (MAER) at the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) disentangled a humpback whale within the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary yesterday afternoon. The whale was heavily anchored in fishing gear and was freed after a...
Center for Coastal Studies Disentangles Humpback Whale off Rockport, MA
The Marine Animal Entanglement Response (MAER) team at the Center for Coastal Studies disentangled a humpback whale off Rockport, MA today. The young whale is expected to make a full recovery. On the afternoon of Tuesday, Aug. 4, recreational boaters came across a...
Runners Compete in Run the Trails for Whales 5K
More than 60 runners came out for the 12th annual Run the Trails for Whales 5K as part of the Center for Coastal Studies' Whale Week on Sunday, August 2nd. David Shapiro of Truro was the overall winner and top male finisher with a time of 19:35, while CCS Marine...
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.
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.
