Women's History Month: Digital Read In

Riki Ott (born 1954) is a marine biologist, author, and environmental activist best known for her work in the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez oil spill on March 24, 1989. At the time of the disaster, Ott was a fisheries scientist and commercial fisher in Alaska, and she witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the spill on marine life, local economies, and public health.

Following the spill, Ott became a leading advocate for environmental reform, fighting for stricter oil industry regulations and corporate accountability. She played a key role in pushing for the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, which increased industry liability for oil spills and improved response measures. She has also worked to raise awareness of the long-term ecological and health consequences of oil contamination, particularly the dangers of chemical dispersants used in oil spill cleanups.

Ott has authored several books, including Sound Truth and Corporate Myth$ (2005) and Not One Drop: Betrayal and Courage in the Wake of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (2008), which document the science behind oil pollution and corporate influence over environmental policy. She continues to advocate for clean energy solutions, community resilience, and climate justice, working with grassroots organizations to prevent future environmental disasters.

Her activism has made her a nationally recognized voice for environmental protection and corporate responsibility, ensuring that the lessons of the Exxon Valdez spill are not forgotten.