The RESTORE Act requires the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (Council) to “undertake projects and programs, using the best available science that would restore and protect the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, coastal wetlands, and economy of the Gulf Coast.” Per the RESTORE Act, "best available science" (BAS) is defined as science that:

• Maximizes the quality, objectivity, and integrity of information, including statistical information;
• Uses peer-reviewed and publicly available data; and
• Clearly documents and communicates risks and uncertainties in the scientific basis for such projects. 

RESTORE Council Best Available Science Integration

The RESTORE Council staff works to facilitate the integration of BAS into Council activities and decision-making, including:

• Supporting the Council in its role as a Gulf Research Program Science Policy Fellow Host Office since 2015.
• Coordinating activities with the Council Monitoring and Assessment Workgroup (CMAWG) such as: 
• Developing Council Monitoring and Adaptive Management Guidelines (MAM Guidelines).
• Establishing annual Council Steering Committee approved CMAWG workplans (FY20-21 Workplan, FY 21-22 Workplan, FY22-23 Workplan and FY23-24 Workplan).
• Updating the Observational Data Plan (ODP) Guidelines.
• Coordinating on science and data management activities with other Gulf of Mexico science and restoration funding agencies.
• Supporting data management related to RESTORE funded projects, increasing collaboration, and ensuring transparency through the development of the Council Metadata Records Library and Information Network (MERLIN).
• Incorporating the Best Available Science (BAS) Review Process in FPL Development.

 

For additional information on best available science activities please contact Amy Newbold.