2.0	RESEARCH OF GREAT LAKES DATABASES

The IITF identified databases and other sources of information that could be used to support the proposed indicators program and task force findings. The task force encountered difficulties related to incompatible sampling protocols and different reporting formats used by agencies in the basin. Further, a lack of uniform data quality and gaps in sampling and analysis complicate progress. Surveillance and monitoring activities differ across the basin and are not guided by clearly defined strategies.

There are temporal and spatial gaps in the data supporting indicators and measurements. For example, data for the 11 critical persistent toxic substances are uneven and site specific. Gaps are also present in data documentation, or metadata.

To solve this problem, for example, selecting indicators from the Desired Outcome Biological Community Integrity and Diversity, indicators and accompanying measurements would be facilitated by clearly defining their scope, developing definitions, and reaching consensus on definitions for the terms Integrity and Diversity.