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Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Friends,
As we approach the Center for Coastal Studies’ 50th
anniversary in 2026, I’m proud to reflect on the remarkable Board of Directors
growth and innovation we’ve achieved since our founding
in 1976. What started in a rented room has evolved into the
state-of-the-art Hiebert Marine Laboratory, pictured below, and our team has grown from OFFICERS
just three staff members to fifty. Our focus has expanded as well, from studying individual
species to exploring entire ecosystems through a wide array of scientific disciplines. Richard Delaney
Perhaps most importantly, we have mentored and trained hundreds of young scientists who Executive Director
are now making a difference both here at CCS and around the world. Steve Carlson, Chair

Our research is advancing at full speed. This year, we launched a cutting-edge genetics and Herb Heidt, Vice-Chair
genomics lab, deployed marine and aerial drones equipped with advanced mapping and Dean Stein, Treasurer
sensor technology for shoreline and seafloor mapping, and created powerful online tools to
share our science with the public, policymakers, and the global scientific community. Carole Levin, Clerk
Several of our programs, including Marine Debris and Plastics, SeagrassNet, Shark Christopher W. Clark, Ph.D.
Ecology Research, and Land-Sea Interaction, have expanded significantly with national Copey Coppedge
and international recognition and support. Our outreach and education efforts continue to Jeanne McNett
grow, and the development of the Scientist/Artist-In-Residence position is fostering new
connections within our community and fresh perspectives on how we perceive and value Jeanne Leszczynski
our environment. Andrew Young
In 2024, CCS marked a significant transition with the retirement of co-founder Charles
“Stormy” Mayo, Ph.D., whose nearly five decades of work have profoundly shaped marine
conservation, especially efforts to protect the critically endangered North Atlantic right DIRECTORS
whale. We also honored the retirement of David Mattila, whose contributions have been vital Michael Caccavale
in establishing the global success of our whale disentanglement and research programs.
Lynne M. Carter, Ph.D.
You’ll read about all this and more in this issue of Coastwatch. Thanks to the unwavering
support of our dedicated staff, donors, volunteers, and visionary leaders like Stormy and Claudia Dent
David, we are well prepared to face the challenges ahead. Together, we will continue to Clifford Krauss
understand and protect our coasts, oceans, and the ecosystems they sustain. Chuck Lagasse
Sincerely, Lori Meads

Craig Milan
Linda B. Miller, Ph.D.

Richard Delaney Horatio Potter
Executive Director Chris Towle

Center for Coastal Studies Hiebert Marine Laboratory, Provincetown, MA Dan Wolf

Cover photo: Right Whale
Ecology Program Intern
Morgan Pirozzi aboard the R/V
Shearwater documents right
whale EgNo 3904 Champagne
breaching. February 21, 2024.
Image: Marilyn Marx, taken
under NOAA permit #25740-02.

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