When a tank at the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium needed a sponsor, the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business and Professional Association gladly stepped forward.

"When we knew you guys needed help, we were happy to step in," said Kris D'Errico, president of the association and owner of Bella Beach and Bella Beach Kids during a small gathering to dedicate the tank.

The Roundhouse, a nonprofit educational facility with viewing and touch tanks that help teach visitors about the ocean and marine life, is open to the public for no charge and relies on donations and grants to support its mission. 

The Downtown MB Business and Professional Association is sponsoring the tank, which is a holding tank for baby sharks, rays, octopi and other sea life, for a year. "It's an important transition space," said Valerie Hill, administrative director and education specialist for the aquarium, noting that when the "babies" grow large enough they are moved to larger tanks in the Roundhouse.

"We use this tank a lot to dispel myths about sharks and rays," she told members of the Downtown MB group. "We really appreciate you helping us out with this tank."

Tank sponsorships at the Roundhouse help the facility and its staff maintain the animals, decor, and equipment associated with the tank, according to the Roundhouse website. Two tanks are currently looking for sponsors:

Available Tanks

• The Wolf Eel tank is available for full sponsorship at a $1,000 annual donation.
• The Deep Water tank is available for co-sponsorship at a $1,500 annual donation.

To sponsor a tank, call Dawn Eyre-Martin or Val Hill at (310) 379-8117 or stop by to see the tanks in person. 

The Roundhouse is open to the public from 2-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through Labor Day. Hours are subject to change due to weather, pier closures, and private events. Non-public hours are dedicated to teaching classes and facility maintenance. 

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