SAN RAMON, Calif., (October 6, 2006) – Iain Kerr has spent his life reversing the tide of pollution in the world’s oceans. For his efforts to improve humanity’s understanding of the threats facing whales and their ocean environment, Kerr was named one of six winners of the 52nd annual Chevron Conservation Awards.

As CEO of the nonprofit Ocean Alliance, Kerr is credited with the success of the Voyage of the Odyssey, the first-ever global expedition dedicated to collecting baseline data on ocean contaminant levels worldwide. This five-year study, completed in 2005, used sperm whales as an indicator species from which to assess ocean pollution levels. This data improves scientists’ ability to understand how ocean health relates to human health.

“Our data show that several pollutants are now a problem globally,” said Kerr. “No country can solve such a problem alone. The world must work together to achieve a solution.”

Kerr’s ability to bring diverse groups together also has created great change. In Papua New Guinea, for example, he helped lead the formation of a 1.25 million square mile marine mammal sanctuary. Ultimately, he believes the first step towards conservation is educating people of all ages about ocean environments and how society impacts the natural world. For instance, Kerr’s work on the Ocean Alliance’s “Young Scientist Program” teaches children about whales, their habitat, and what it is like to be part of a real-life scientific research expedition.

Other 2006 Chevron Conservation Award winner are: California Trout, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and restoring wild trout and steelhead waters throughout California; The late William H. Howard, president, Wildlife Habitat Council for his innovative approach to pairing industry and conservationists to find balanced solutions to natural resource protection; Jeunesse Park, founder of Food and Trees for Africa, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for disadvantaged South Africans through natural resource programs; Dr. Pilai Poonswad, for her work to save Asian hornbills and habitat in the forests of Thailand; Ed Wytovich, an eighth grade science teacher in Pennsylvania for his volunteer efforts to preserve hundreds of miles of river habitat.

Winners are selected by an independent panel of conservationists. Originally created by outdoors writer Ed Zern in 1954, the program has recognized more than 1,000 conservationists from around the world. A contribution of $15,000 is made by Chevron to each winner’s conservation work.

Chevron is committed to contributing to the social and economic development of the communities in which the company operates. In 2005, Chevron invested $73 million in community initiatives around the world, nearly 65 percent of which was directed toward long-term, capacity-building projects.

Chevron Corporation is one of the world’s leading energy companies. With more than 53,000 employees, Chevron subsidiaries conduct business in approximately 180 countries around the world, producing and transporting crude oil and natural gas, and refining, marketing and distributing fuels and other energy products. Chevron is based in San Ramon, Calif. More information on Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.

Chevron Corporation is one of the world’s leading energy companies. With more than 53,000 employees, Chevron subsidiaries conduct business in approximately 180 countries around the world, producing and transporting crude oil and natural gas, and refining, marketing and distributing fuels and other energy products. Chevron is based in San Ramon, Calif. More information on Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.