A view of the vessel Janan.
Doha: A research team from Qatar University Environmental Science Center (QU-ESC) recently conducted an exploration trip onboard the research vessel Janan to study the northwest marine area and Fasht ad Dibal.
The team comprised 22 local and international researchers and experts in the field of biological, earth and environmental sciences. They will conduct a one-year research project to explore the geological setting and the physical and chemical conditions of the marine environment as well as the biological diversity of the ecosystem in the northwest marine area of the country.
They will also study the possibility of using the prevalent marine currents for energy generation as well as the potentiality of finding freshwater resources in the coastal marine areas using the technology of remote sensing and geographic information system.
A researcher in the lab onboard Janan.
Dr Hamad Al Kuwari, ESC Director noted that the exploration trip will contribute to creating a database that will be used by institutions from the public and private sectors for fisheries and aquaculture development and tourism investment. He said: “ESC will continue to deliver on its vision to be a leader in fundamental and applied environmental research in the Gulf region.
“The center is keen to attract national competencies and to provide them with the opportunity to conduct research that meets local environmental needs.”
He added: “Qatar has a rich marine cultural heritage and diverse marine and terrestrial environments. Through using its scholars’ expertise and advanced technological assets, ESC is committed to document, understand and protect these precious natural resources for the benefit of the Qatari society.
The center also offers the community cutting-edge research outcomes in the field of marine, atmospheric and earth sciences to optimise the use of local natural resources.”
