Oceanographic Teaching Stations Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab & Aquarium (Manhattan Beach, CA)

General

• Mission:

The specific and primary purposes are to foster and promote the public study of, and interest in, the oceans, tidelands, and beaches of Southern California, the marine life therein, and the impact of human populations on that environment.

• History:

The Oceanographic Teaching Stations (O.T.S.) was founded in 1979 by Judge Richard Fruin, who still serves on the board today, and was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 1980. The mission of O.T.S. is to foster and promote the public study of, and interest in, the oceans, tidelands and beaches of Southern California, the marine life therein, and the impact of human populations on that environment. Located over the Pacific Ocean at the end of the Manhattan Beach pier, the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium (Roundhouse) serves as O.T.S.’s educational facility. The Roundhouse is home to over 75 species of marine life native to the Santa Monica Bay. There are both viewing and touching tanks, as well as interactive displays, books, puzzles, and a children’s area to allow people of all ages to learn about and experience the ocean environment. O.T.S. has a Board of Directors with eight members who work closely with three full-time and three part-time staff members to ensure that environmental education, consciousness, and responsibility continue to spread throughout the community. Over the last 30 years, O.T.S. has provided a unique experience and quality education to thousands of visitors and students of the South Bay, Los Angeles, and surrounding areas. O.T.S continues to develop community awareness, involvement, and support for the diverse oceanic environment.
We are pleased to be open to the public seven days a week free of charge, allowing all who are interested to come in and learn about the ocean environment. Each year over 100,000 people visit the Roundhouse. Most visitors are local to the Los Angeles area, but we also get visitors from around the world. This year our volunteer program has expanded to over 60 dedicated volunteers, most of whom are high school students. In 2004, 2006, and 2007 we mentored six of these dedicated volunteers as they competed in The QuikSCience Challenge, an ocean science competition, and won 1st, 2nd, and 2nd place (respectively). We currently have 4 volunteers who have served over 500 hours, and 1 volunteer who, at age 16, has already served over 1000 hours.
O.T.S.’s educational programs are the backbone of our mission. Each year, over 10,000 students from all over Los Angeles County and surrounding areas visit the Roundhouse and take part in our educational programs. Students come to the Roundhouse to learn about the ocean environment in a hands-on, experiential atmosphere. Over the past few years we have developed educational partnerships with both the West and Central Basin Water Districts. Through these partnerships we have been able to reach more students from various school districts. The Roundhouse is also a founding partner of the Key to the Sea program. This program provides free workshops, curriculum, and resources to teachers to ensure that oceanic and environmental learning continue in the classroom.

• Year established:1979

Registration

• Organization type:Grantseeker
• Country of registration:United States
• Year established:1979
• Tax Determination Letter:Received Determination Letter
• IRS Section:501(c)(3)

Web Listing

• Guidestar listed:Yes
• Charity Navigator listed:No