Figure 1 shows the historic and current flows of the  Everglades ecosystem as well as the proposed restored flow. Figure 2 shows the relationship of the agencies participating in  restoration, the Task Force, and the three restoration goals. Federal and State Agencies Spent $576 Million on Scientific Activities for the South Florida Ecosystem and Made Progress in Some Areas

Federal and state agencies spent $576 million from fiscal years 1993  through 2002 to conduct mission-related scientific research, monitoring,  and assessment in support of the restoration of the South Florida  ecosystem. Gaps Remain in the Scientific Information Needed for Restoration

While scientists made progress in developing scientific information, they  also identified significant gaps in scientific information and adaptive  management tools that, if not addressed in the near future, will hinder the  overall success of the restoration effort. An example of a gap that could hinder systemwide restoration is  information on contaminants, such as fertilizers and pesticides. Scientists need information on the amount of  contaminants that could be discharged into the environment, the amounts  that persist in water and sediment, and the risks faced by organisms living  in areas with contaminants—even low levels of contaminants on a long- term basis. The Restoration Initiative Lacks an Effective Means to Coordinate Scientific Activities

The Water Resources Development Act of 1996 requires the Task Force  to coordinate scientific research for South Florida restoration; however,  the Task Force has not established an effective means to do so,  diminishing assurance that key scientific information will be developed  and available to fill gaps and support restoration decisions. Provide resources for carrying out its responsibilities. Appendix I: Groups Responsible for Coordinating Scientific Activities for the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration

The South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force (Task Force) and  participating agencies have created several groups with responsibilities for  various scientific activities. One of these teams—the Science Coordination  Team (SCT) created by the Task Force—is the only group responsible for  coordinating restoration science activities that relate to all three of the  Task Force’s restoration goals (see fig.
Why GAO Did This Study

Restoration of the South Florida ecosystem is a complex, long-term federal and state undertaking that requires the development of extensive scientific information. GAO was asked to report on the funds spent on scientific activities for restoration, the gaps that exist in scientific information, and the extent to which scientific activities are being coordinated.

What GAO Found

From fiscal years 1993 through 2002, eight federal agencies and one state agency collectively spent $576 million to conduct mission-related scientific research, monitoring, and assessment in support of the restoration of the South Florida ecosystem. With this funding, which was almost evenly split between the federal agencies and the state agency, scientists have made progress in developing information--including information on the past, present, and future flow of water in the ecosystem--for restoration. While some scientific information has been obtained and understanding of the ecosystem improved, key gaps remain in scientific information needed for restoration. If not addressed quickly, these gaps could hinder the success of restoration. One particularly important gap is the lack of information regarding the amount and risk of contaminants, such as fertilizers and pesticides, in water and sediment throughout the ecosystem. The South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force--comprised of federal, state, local, and tribal entities--is responsible for coordinating the South Florida ecosystem restoration initiative. The Task Force is also responsible for coordinating scientific activities for restoration, but has yet to establish an effective means of doing so. In 1997, it created the Science Coordination Team (SCT) to coordinate the science activities of the many agencies participating in restoration. However, the Task Force did not give the SCT clear direction to carry out its responsibilities in support of the Task Force and restoration. Furthermore, unlike the full-time science coordinating bodies created for other restoration efforts, the SCT functions as a voluntary group with no full-time and few part-time staff. Without an effective means to coordinate restoration, the Task Force cannot ensure that restoration decisions are based on sound scientific information.