Source: MarketWatch
May 22, 2012

"DOHA, Qatar (BUSINESS WIRE) — A new, state-of-the-art ship given to Qatar University will transform marine research in the Gulf region.

The model research facility Janan — named after the island located in the western part of the Qatari peninsula - was donated to the University by H.H. the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. Underlining a real commitment to improving sustainability, it will be used by the university's Environmental Studies Center (ESC) to advance critical marine environmental studies and research in Qatar and the wider Gulf.

 

With Qatar almost surrounded by water from three directions, Janan will address the pressing environmental problems that arise especially from human and industrial activity that threaten marine life particularly the hawkbill turtles, coral reefs, and oysters, and the seabed. The vessel is equipped with a remote-controlled submarine, and can carry out a variety of surveys — to monitor earthquakes, seabed movements, and marine radioactivity. It will also maintain and build on a comprehensive database that will identify and analyze conditions prevailing in the marine environment."

 

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