Russell has a PhD from the Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University. During his PhD studies Russell managed a large marine conservation planning project in South Africa which involved conducting baseline marine ecological surveys and spatio-temporal assessments of commercial, recreational and subsistence fisheries sectors. These data were used to facilitate the design of a coastal marine protected area taking socio-ecological conflicts into account. Other outcomes included providing a monitoring framework and implementation plan to the South African National Parks to monitor the long-term effectiveness of new spatial management strategies through the use of indicators and key milestones.

Russell has fifteen years of consulting experience, and has conducted specialist biodiversity and fisheries dependent assessments on freshwater, estuarine and marine systems. In addition he has prepared numerous coastal zone management plans on provincial, district and local municipal levels, as well as conducted spatial assessments of resource use activities for management and planning purposes. Additional skills include community engagement, database design and GIS expertise.