You are absolutely correct when you say that science is essential.
Fortunately, the Experimental Lakes Area was saved just in time. Unfortunately, the federal government is no longer funding those facilities. And yet, people worked very hard, among other things, on phosphorus pollution. I think that that contributed to the improvement in water quality in the Great Lakes. The position of the federal government is really disappointing in that regard.
You also talked about funding. Everyone always wants more money, that is normal, and there is never enough. The Government of Canada itself estimates that it would cost approximately $1.9 billion to restore the Canadian sectors that are problematic. I doubt that it has invested all of that money. Rather, in 2010 the sum in question was $16 million.
What can be suggested in the Great Lakes' Action Plan to improve the situation? Finding money is not always easy, but how can we increase the funding? Would long-term funding be more appropriate?