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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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.
Fishermen Hired To Clean Up Their Own Disaster
- Fishermen were offered cleanup pay by Exxon, forcing some to work for the company that ruined their season.
- This blurred lines between cleanup and conflict of interest in a traumatized community.
Social Trauma Followed The Ecological Disaster
- Dwayne Gill documented rising substance use, domestic violence, and suicide in Cordova after the spill.
- The community experienced prolonged social trauma beyond ecological damage.
