A Qatar University (QU) research team will conduct a one-year project to explore the geological setting and physical and chemical conditions of the marine environment as well as the biological diversity of the ecosystem in the country's northwest marine area.

A research team from Qatar University Environmental Science Centre (QU-ESC) recently conducted an exploration trip on board the research vessel, Janan, to study the northwest marine area and Fasht ad D?bal.


Dr Hamad al-Kuwari

Activities during the exploration trip

The team comprised 22 local and international researchers and experts in the field of biological, earth and environmental sciences. They will conduct the one-year research project, as mentioned above, and 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.
ESC director Dr Hamad al-Kuwari noted that the exploration trip would contribute to creating a database that would be used by institutions from the public and private sectors for fisheries and aquaculture development and tourism investment.
He said, “The ESC will continue to deliver on its vision to be a leader in fundamental and applied environmental research in the Gulf region. The centre is keen to attract national competencies and provide them with the opportunity to conduct research that meets local environmental needs.”
Dr al-Kuwari continued, “Qatar has a rich marine cultural heritage and diverse marine and terrestrial environments. Through using its scholars’ expertise and advanced technological assets, the ESC is committed to document, understand and protect these precious natural resources for the benefit of the Qatari society.
"The centre 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.”

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