Cited Podcast Episode #5: The (ir)Rational Alaskans (pt. 1 of 3)
Aug 8, 2024
In this insightful discussion, Rikki Ott, a marine toxicologist and community advocate, and Lyndon O'Toole, a commercial fisher from Cordova, delve into the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. They share the harrowing sights and smells of the disaster and the emotional toll on their community. The duo recounts their fight for a comprehensive ecosystem study, the challenges posed by Exxon-funded research, and the grassroots protests they organized to demand accountability. Their experiences highlight the intersection of environmental science, community action, and economic devastation.
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Kahneman’s Exxon-Funded Research
- In the 1990s Daniel Kahneman and others did research funded by Exxon after the Exxon Valdez spill.
- Their work later reshaped public policy and narratives about the jury and environmental harms.
Cordova’s Fishing-Dependent Community
- Cordova, in Prince William Sound, depended almost entirely on commercial fishing like salmon seining.
- Fisher livelihoods and the town’s survival were immediately threatened by the spill.
Scientist Turned Fisher Spokesperson
- Riki Ott left academia to become a commercial fisher and struggled initially as one of the "new kids on the flats."
- Her scientific training later made her a key spokesperson after the spill.
