EDF is working to understand the potential effects of thermal discharges from its power plants on the aquatic environment. In 2008, the Group launched a research programme called "thermo-hydrobiology". Together with their scientific partners, EDF R&D researchers have analysed fish population data and environmental data over long periods of time. The results show that the thermal discharges from the power plants have had no long-term influence on the fish populations studied. Changes in fish populations are thought to be associated with climate change. Other innovative methods are also used by EDF R&D to monitor fish in the vicinity of power plants and understand their behaviour under different water temperature conditions.