Riki Ott

A commercial salmon "fisherma'am," Dr. Riki Ott (PhD in marine biology) experienced firsthand the devastating effects of the Exxon Valdez oil spill—and chose to do something about it. Ott retired from fishing and founded three nonprofit organizations to deal with lingering harm. Her previous book on the spill is Sound Truth and Corporate Myth$. She lives in Cordova, Alaska.

    Riki's Upcoming Events

    • Riki Ott at Durango Arts Center
      Durango Arts Center, 802 East 2nd Avenue, Durango CO
      February 17, 2009, 7:00 pm

      Riki Ott will speak at a screening of the film Black Wave. A question and answer session will follow the film. Call (970) 259-2606 to learn more.

    • Riki Ott at Fort Lewis College
      Noble Hall, Fort Lewis College, Durango CO
      February 18, 2009, 7:00 pm

      On February 18th at 7:00 pm (at Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO), Riki Ott will discuss her book, Not One Drop, how the current democracy crisis affected the Exxon Valdez oil spill verdict, and nation-wide ramifications. Riki will also address Fort Lewis classes on February 19th and 20th.

    • Riki Ott keynote at Public Interest Environmental Law Conference
      University of Oregon School of Law, Eugene OR 97403
      February 26, 2009, 9:00 am

      Riki Ott will deliver a keynote address at the 27th Annual Public Interest Environmental Law Conference (PIELC) held at the University of Oregon School of Law in Eugene from February 26th-March 1st, 2009. Visit the conference website or call (541) 346-3828 to learn more.

    • Riki Ott at People for Puget Sound 20th Memorial of Exxon Valdez
      March 5, 2009, 7:00 pm

      Riki Ott and National Geographic photographer Natalie Fobes will give keynote addresses as People for Puget Sound commemorates the 20th memorial of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Times and location to be announced. Check back for details.

    Riki's Books

    Sound Truth and Corporate Myth$

    The Legacy of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill

    Sound Truth and Corporate Myth$ exposes oil as a human and environmental health hazard, based on stories of key witnesses and participants in the environmental tragedy that struck Prince William Sound in 1989. 2005 finalist for the Benjamin Franklin Book Award in Science and Environment.

    Not One Drop

    Betrayal and Courage in the Wake of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill

    Ott illustrates in stirring fashion the oil industry’s 20-year trail of pollution and deception that lead to the tragic 1989 spill and delves deep into the disruption to the fishing community for the next 10 years.

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