Photo courtesy of the Bolsa Chica Conservancy.

Congratulations are in order for Aquarium of the Pacific President and CEO Jerry R. Schubel, who was named the 2015 Conservator of the Year by the Bolsa Chica Conservancy.

Schubel was selected for the award for his visionary leadership in ocean conservation through exploration, research and education, according to the announcement. He was presented with the award earlier this month at the the nonprofit organization’s annual Barefoot Ball, which raised more than $150,000 to support the conservancy’s STEM-based education programs.

“The Bolsa Chica Conservancy and the Aquarium of the Pacific share the same focus on education as a way to engage youth and the public in the long-term effort to preserve coastal resources like wetlands and the ocean,” said Schubel in an earlier press statement. “To protect the ocean and marine habitats like Bolsa Chica, we must teach our children and the community. The Bolsa Chica Conservancy does this through their STEM-based work.”

Schubel has held his esteemed position at the aquarium since 2002. He holds a Ph.D. in Oceanography from Johns Hopkins University and 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.

Each year the Bolsa Chica Conservancy presents the Conservator of the Year 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 currently celebrating its 25th year.