DOHA, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Qatar University has announced launching of a new project to study the northwestern region despite the ongoing embargo, Qatar News Agency reported Sunday.

On board the Qatar University's advanced research vessel, named Janan, a team of Qatari and foreign researchers have begun their exploring journey to the northwestern regions of Qatar, the report said.

The one-year new study will help in exploring new areas considered to be important food reserves. It will also benefit the public and private sectors investments in the economic potential of the region, such as fish development, fish farming, and tourism investment.

The marine studies have not been affected by the siege, a Qatari researcher said, adding that studies are intensified, especially in marine currents as well as means of generating electricity from them.

On June 5, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Bahrain cut all ties, including transport links, with Qatar, making it difficult for the country to import and export goods, accusing Qatar of allying with Iran in support of terrorism.

Qatar vehemently denied the accusations.