Center for Coastal Studies

About Us

The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to understanding, preserving and protecting marine ecosystems and the coastal environment through applied research, rescue, and education.

CCS conducts research with emphasis on marine mammals of the western North Atlantic and on the coastal and marine habitats and resources of the Gulf of Maine; provides educational resources and programs that encourage the responsible use and conservation of coastal and marine ecosystems; and collaborates with other institutions and individuals whenever possible to advance the Center’s mission.

Visit the Spinnaker exhibit at the Center's Hiebert Marine Laboratory, 5 Holway Avenue, Provincetown. Spinnaker was a humpback whale who spent much of her life in the Gulf of Maine. She was known to have been entangled in fishing gear at least four times during her short life, and was disentangled by the Center for Coastal Studies Marine Animal Entanglement Response (MAER) team three times. Despite all efforts, the hidden, long-term effects of her second-known entanglement were lethal, and she died in 2015 at the age of 11. Her skeleton was preserved and is on permanent display at the Center for Coastal Studies. Her story highlights the importance of collaborative research and rescue. The Spinnaker exhibit is open to the public, free of charge, Monday through Friday, 1 - 4 pm.

Learn more about educational programs, such as the SEA Space Marine Discovery Center, at www.coastalstudies.org.