Aquarium President and CEO Dr. Jerry R. Schubel has been named Conservator of the Year by the Bolsa Chica Conservancy. Each year, the Bolsa Chica Conservancy presents this award to an individual, business, or organization that promotes conservation through innovative ideas, scientific discovery, conservation projects, education, technological improvements, or sponsorship of any of the above. The conservancy is celebrating its twenty-fifth year in 2015.
The Bolsa Chica Conservancy selected Schubel for the award in 2015 in recognition of his visionary leadership in ocean conservation through exploration, research, and education. The award was presented at the conservancy’s annual gala on June 6, 2015, by the 2014 Conservator of the Year winner, Wyland.
Schubel has been president and CEO of the Aquarium of the Pacific since 2002. He holds a Ph.D. in oceanography from Johns Hopkins University. He is a member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Science Advisory Board, the Science Advisory Panel for California’s Ocean Protection Council, and the Board of Governors of the Savannah Ocean Exchange.
Established in 1990 by a coalition of government, community, business, and environmental leaders, the nonprofit Bolsa Chica Conservancy provides services that inspire and connect all generations through community involvement and leadership in hands-on restoration and education in wetland science, watersheds, coastal ecology, and environmental sustainability.