Tune in and learn about how the Delta smelt got tied up with Big Ag, California Water Wars, and national political divide. How have these widespread narratives affected the species as a whole and environmental justice communities in the region? What happens when scientific data goes into the wrong hands?

The Delta smelt, a small fish that is an indicator species for the Bay-Delta estuary and is in massive population decline, has faced media onslaught from conservative news outlets over the years, reframing how the fish is seen. This episode explores the controversies surrounding the Delta smelt with Dr. Caleb Scoville, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Tufts University. 

Media Review of Right-Wing Narratives on the Delta smelt

Learn more about Dr. Caleb Scoville’s work here:

The Delta Smelt Controversy in Sociological Perspective

That Tiny, Tiny Little Fish

Visit his website or Google Scholar for more academic perspectives.

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This podcast is a production of Restore the Delta.

Host - Tony Gladney

Guest - Dr. Caleb Scoville

With Our Words Segment:

Tama Brisbane & Miniya Joy featuring Giovonni Tilley

Production Team:

Guest Coordination - MacKenzie Owens

Podcast Marketing - Mariah Looney

Podcast Producer & Editor - Leo Marquez

Executive Producer - Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla