SANTA MONICA - The state Coastal Conservancy awarded a $650,000 grant to Heal the Bay on Friday, so the environmental group can improve its aquarium and marine exhibit under the Santa Monica Pier.

"Expansion of its exhibits will help the aquarium showcase more of the biological wonders of Santa Monica Bay and teach visitors the need for protecting this fragile environment," said Assemblywoman Fran Pavley, D- Agoura Hills.

The aquarium features most of the creatures that live in the bay and includes a kelp forest and "touch tanks" that contain sharks, rays and octopuses.