Scientific Team to Conduct a Study in Northwestern Regions of Qatar

Doha, December 30 (QNA) - A Qatari research team accompanied with foreign researchers have started a scientific research trip to the northwestern regions of Qatar, including Fasht Edibil and neighboring areas, on board the Qatar University's advanced research vessel (Jinan. The aim of this scientific trip is to conduct a detailed survey of the environmental and biological diversity of the region, as well as to study deep marine sediments, water movement and distribution of sea currents, in addition to air quality. The study will provide new information on these areas, which are considered to be important food reserves as well as their nature, which is a target for tourism investment. Director of Qatar University's Center for Environmental Sciences Dr. Hamad Al Saad Al Kuwari said in remarks that the trip represents the launch of one-year research project to study the Northwest region. The aim of this project is to create a database that will benefit the public and private sectors in investing in the economic potential of the region such as fish development, fish farming and tourism investments, he added. He pointed that the Center for Environmental Sciences is in contact and cooperation with a number of government agencies, such as the Ministry of Municipality and the Environment, that benefit from the large database available in the center, which was collected through decades of studies. He stressed that the Center is keen to attract Qatari cadres, especially new graduates, and to provide them with the opportunity to complete their studies, which will contribute to the promotion of scientific studies, that target the local environmental needs. For his part Administrator for Jinan and director of marine operations at the Center for Environmental Sciences Dr. Ibrahim Al Muslamani said that the study that will continue for one year, will cover the Northwest and Fasht Edibil. It will be conducted on the physical, chemical, geological and biological aspects of the region. Dr. Ibrahim Al Ansari, a researcher at the project, said that the marine studies have not been affected by the siege, but have increased in terms of frequency and quality, especially with regard to studying marine currents, and the possibility of generating electricity from these currents. (QNA)