National Science Foundation

Although the Arctic Ocean is one of the least explored regions of the world, this area is believed to play a key role in global climate systems, world fishery production, and other phenomena. The U.S. Coast Guard operates four icebreakers in support of the nation's Arctic research program. Although research needs in the Arctic have evolved since 1990, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the scientific community have not shown an increase in icebreaker requirements that would justify a proposed $120 million fifth icebreaker. The existing icebreaker fleet is underused, and no research cruises in the Arctic are planned for 1995 or 1996, primarily because of tight budgets. Many Arctic scientists argue that the proposed vessel is needed because the Coast Guard is unwilling and unable to provide efficient and reliable support to research activities in the Arctic. These criticisms are not convincing given recent improvements in the Coast Guard's commitment and ability to support research in the Arctic.

GAO found that: (1) NSF and the scientific community have not demonstrated an increase in icebreaker requirements since 1990 to sufficiently justify a fifth icebreaker vessel; (2) the three icebreakers currently in operation are underutilized and no research cruises in the Arctic region are planned for 1995 or 1996; (3) a fourth icebreaker is being built for the Coast Guard to serve as an Arctic research vessel; and (4) many Arctic scientists justify the acquisition of the proposed vessel on the grounds that the Coast Guard is unwilling and unable to provide reliable support to Arctic research activities, although the Coast Guard's commitment to Arctic research has recently improved.