Dick Russell

In the following viewpoint, Dick Russell argues that the marine life along many of the Earth’s coastlines and in its oceans have been killed by pollution from sewage effluent and fertilizer and pesticide run-offs. Although some of these areas have made a remarkable comeback once pollutants are no longer dumped in them, he asserts that cleaning up the oceans will take a coordinated worldwide effort. Russell is a freelance writer living in Boston who has written several articles about the oceans.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What percentage of the Earth’s population lives 50 miles or less from an ocean, as cited by Russell?
2. According to the author, what do scientists believe is the cause of “white pox” that is killing coral reefs off Key West, Florida?
3. What steps...