What don't we know about the Caspian: identification of new, most acute problems of the Caspian and prospects for their solution.
Andrey G. Kostianoy, Shirshov Institute of Oceanology RAS, Moscow, Russia
Important gaps
1. Lack of scientific cooperation between Caspian Sea countries on the Caspian Sea studies.
2. Lack of scientific cooperation between science and business
3. Lack of integrated, multidisciplinary, intersectoral research (environmental sciences, territorial development, social sciences, policymakers, resource managers, industries, citizens)
4. A little exchange of data, information, publications.
5. There is no united system of in-situ monitoring.
6. There is no permanent real-time satellite monitoring.
7. Lack of modern instrumentations (research vessels, buoys, drifters, gliders, tide gauge stations, HF radars, meteo radars, etc) and common standards for measurements.
8. Absence of International Regional Satellite Monitoring Center.
9. Absence of International Regional Climate Change Center.