Scaling Down Habitat Selection by Large River Fishes to Understand Patterns Relevant to Individuals

Modification and homogenization of habitat in large‐river ecosystems have led to the reduction of >50% of native fish species. Rehabilitating these complex ecosystems to recover fish populations requires an understanding of habitat availability and selection at multiple scales. Habitat selection by river fishes is typically assessed at the functional unit scale (100–10 000 m²). For example, in large, sand‐dominated rivers of the Central USA, alluvial islands are critical functional units for endangered sturgeon. Functional units, however, can be subdivided into mesohabitats (<100 m²), but very little is known about mesohabitat selection by large river fishes. We evaluated the mesohabitat selection of the federally endangered pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) and more abundant shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) experimentally. We tested for selection among four common mesohabitat types that are nested within alluvial island complexes: (1) sand‐only substratum with no structure; (2) sand substratum with a sand dune structure; (3) sand substratum with simulated vegetation; and (4) a gravel‐only substratum. Sturgeon selected for the sand substratum, structureless mesohabitat, followed by the mesohabitat with a sand dune. Vegetated habitat retained less sturgeon than these two habitats but more than the gravel mesohabitat. Age‐0 pallid sturgeon and shovelnose sturgeon almost completely avoided gravel substrate, perhaps because of increased energetic costs associated with turbulent benthic flow. We posit that age‐0 sturgeon may prefer the sand and sand dune habitats over the vegetation and gravel habitats because flow may be more linear (or unidirectional) and predictable in these habitat types, whereas vegetation and gravel can create substantial benthic turbulence. Lastly, shovelnose sturgeon were on average denser in vegetated habitat than pallid sturgeon. Scaled to the population level, patterns revealed here could have implications for the macro‐distribution of both species. Restoration efforts may want to consider selection differences in the management of these two species and rehabilitation of riverine habitats. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mesohabitat use by brown trout (Salmo trutta) in a small groundwater‐dominated stream

Groundwater‐dominated streams have particular flow regimes that commonly support populations of trout. Meso‐ and micro‐habitat surveys were carried out on a reach of the river Tern that drains a Triassic sandstone aquifer in the English West Midlands, to investigate brown trout (Salmo trutta) habitat use with varying flows. Mesohabitats were mapped over a range of summer and autumn flows and coupled with direct underwater observation (snorkelling) of fish locations together with point measurements of velocity and depth. The number of habitat types recorded was low and dominated by glides, runs, and backwaters. Brown trout showed a strong association with glides and runs with adults being more associated with runs and parr with glides. General habitat use curves showed brown trout to favour depths between 0.30 and 0.40 m and velocities below 0.40 m s^?1. A clear preference was shown for sand and gravel bed materials. However, the differentiation of hydraulic habitats was weak and there was no trend in mesohabitats or change in trout use of mesohabitats with discharge. The study raises limitations of the mesohabitat survey approach when linking fish ecology, flow and physical habitat in small streams with low flow variability and low habitat diversity. In these situations, other factors (especially cover features) appear to strongly influence brown trout distribution. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A Community‐Level,Mesoscale Analysis of Fish Assemblage Structure in Shoreline Habitats of a Large River Using Multivariate Regression Trees

The mesoscale (10⁰–10² m) of river habitats has been identified as the scale that simultaneously offers insights into ecological structure and falls within the practical bounds of river management. Mesoscale habitat (mesohabitat) classifications for relatively large rivers, however, are underdeveloped compared with those produced for smaller streams. Approaches to habitat modelling have traditionally focused on individual species or proceeded on a species‐by‐species basis. This is particularly problematic in larger rivers where the effects of biological interactions are more complex and intense. Community‐level approaches can rapidly model many species simultaneously, thereby integrating the effects of biological interactions while providing information on the relative importance of environmental variables in structuring the community. One such community‐level approach, multivariate regression trees, was applied in order to determine the relative influences of abiotic factors on fish assemblages within shoreline mesohabitats of San Pedro River, Chile, and to define reference communities prior to the planned construction of a hydroelectric power plant. Flow depth, bank materials and the availability of riparian and instream cover, including woody debris, were the main variables driving differences between the assemblages. Species strongly indicative of distinctive mesohabitat types included the endemic Galaxias platei. Among other outcomes, the results provide information on the impact of non‐native salmonids on river‐dwelling Galaxias platei, suggesting a degree of habitat segregation between these taxa based on flow depth. The results support the use of the mesohabitat concept in large, relatively pristine river systems, and they represent a basis for assessing the impact of any future hydroelectric power plant construction and operation. By combing community classifications with simple sets of environmental rules, the multivariate regression trees produced can be used to predict the community structure of any mesohabitat along the reach. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Variability of mesohabitat characteristics in riffle‐pool reaches: Testing an integrative evaluation concept (FGC) for MEM‐application

This paper investigates the variability of mesohabitat characteristics in various riffle‐pool reaches. The tested river sections (n = 13) feature clear variation in slope (0.0004–0.0132) and low flow discharge (0.05–915 m³s^?1) in different river types (straight to meandering). Mesohabitat characteristics (water depth, flow velocity, bottom shear stress) were calibrated according to the MEM‐concept (MEM—Mesohabitat Evaluation Model). Statistical analysis clearly revealed significant differences (p < 0.001) for the same mesohabitats (e.g. riffles) in different rivers concerning the tested abiotic habitat parameters. A comparative analysis of hydromorphological parameters (width‐depth variance, Froude number) showed no correlation to mesohabitat variability based on 2D/3D numerical modelling related to a range of flows (n = 10) (low flow to annual flood). Only an increasing hydraulic radius (R_hy) was correlated to an increase in fast run and a decrease in run habitats. In a case study, a Fish Guild Concept (FGC) is presented which links mesohabitats to the rheophilic fish guild (12 fish species grouped) at the Sulm River. Mesohabitat suitability (preferred, useable and avoided) for the FGC was determined for spawning, juveniles (0+, 1+), sub‐adult and adult stages based on meso‐unit and point abundance electro‐fishing. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. This article was published online on March 3, 2010. An error was subsequently identified in Figure 1 . This notice is included in the online and print versions to indicate that both have been corrected [March 10, 2010].     

Assessment of an artificial intelligence technique in investigating habitat partitioning by coexisting benthic invertebrates in gravel‐bed rivers

Artificial neural networks were used to pattern the use and partition of riverbed mesohabitats by four coexisting mayflies (Ephemera danica, Rhithrogena semicolorata, Caenis sp., and Serratella ignita), in a fast‐flowing stream. Sixty‐six samples were taken from the various mesohabitat types throughout a one‐year period. Water depth, current velocity, substratum composition, and particulate organic matter were used to describe the mesohabitats within each sample unit. The species and abiotic data were computed separately with the self‐organizing map (SOM) algorithm. Then, using the k‐means algorithm, clusters were detected on the maps and the sampling units were classified separately for each variable and for species densities. Four clusters could be identified on the SOM according to nine environmental variables, and this classification was related to the morphodynamic conditions, chiefly with respect to substrate composition and current velocity. Similarly, three subsets were derived from the SOM according to gradients of species densities. The coincidence between ‘abiotic’ and ‘mayfly’ clusters showed that: (1) E. danica, Caenis sp. and S. ignita used similar mesohabitats, but E. danica was temporally segregated; (2) competition for space was likely to occur between Caenis sp. and S. ignita; and (3) R. semicolorata was spatially segregated from the three other mayflies. The method is discussed with reference to two alternative techniques: habitat preference curves, and multivariate analyses. The former implies a greater computation effort and is rather convenient under applied perspectives. The second approach faces the basic assumption that non‐linear modelling methods should be preferred for dealing with ecological data which vary and covary in non‐linear fashions. By combining ordering and clustering abilities (and other advantages such as gradient analysis and detection of outliers), SOM provides a visual and efficient way to bring out structures in the distribution of co‐occurring species within multivariate microenvironments. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Development of a benthic macroinvertebrate flow sensitivity index for Canadian rivers

Widespread alteration of flow regimes requires guidelines for the protection of river ecosystems based on sound science. Preservation of the biodiversity within river ecosystems and sustaining natural ecological functions are key aspects of their management. However, the relationship between the biota and flow‐related phenomena is poorly understood and, as a consequence, over‐simplistic hydrology‐based guidelines for river management have been adopted without establishing clear indicators of success. In the present paper, we aim to support the improvement of guidelines for flow (current velocity) management by developing a flow sensitivity index based on macroinvertebrates for Canadian rivers. Using benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI) samples collected by the Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN), current velocity preferences for the 55 most common invertebrate taxa across a range of reference and potential reference sites were derived. A Canadian Ecological Flow Index (CEFI) was developed based on these preferences. By testing the index against independent data, CEFI was found to respond mainly to changes in hydraulic conditions, and was minimally influenced by confounding factors (e.g. stream type, organic enrichment). The index was further validated using two independent data sets from the west and east of Canada, suggesting countrywide applicability of the method. In conclusion, we have developed a practical approach to evaluate relationships between hydrological regime and an important component of the river biota, permitting the development of an index which has good potential as an indicator for the effects of flow alteration. Moreover, we outline how the CEFI could be used as a tool for the development of holistic guidelines for the estimation of riverine flow needs. Copyright © 2010 Crown in the right of Canada and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Specification of Flows for Flushing Surficial Sand from Cobble Riffles

Maintenance of habitat for benthic organisms and fish spawning may require flushing of sand from gravel or cobble river beds. An approach is proposed for specifying both the magnitude and duration of flow necessary to scour sand to a desired depth over a specified length of riffle bed. Scour is assumed to begin at the upstream end of the reach to be flushed and to progress downstream. The flow magnitude necessary for scour to an equilibrium depth was found from previously published laboratory data to be related to the median sand grain size and its movability number (the ratio of shear velocity to settling velocity). The required flow duration is determined by the time for scour to progress over the specified distance. The progression rate was determined through new laboratory experiments to be related to the flow velocity and depth, the distance advanced, the sand movability number and the channel slope. Application of the approach is illustrated by example. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Do Alluvial Sand Dunes Create Energetic Refugia for Benthic Fishes? An Experimental Test with the Endangered Pallid Sturgeon

River modifications have altered critical habitats for fishes at a variety of spatial scales and caused global declines of many fluvial species. At small spatial scales (<1 m²), alluvial sand dunes, a ubiquitous habitat in highly modified rivers, are thought to provide energetic relief for benthic fishes in energetically costly riverine landscapes created by water flow. However, use of alluvial dune habitat is not well understood, and it is unclear whether dunes provide refuge that effectively reduces energetic costs. We designed a scale‐relevant experiment to examine the energetic responses associated with sand dune habitat in rivers. We tested whether the US federally endangered pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus ), a benthic fish commonly associated with sand dunes, experienced reduced energetic costs with different configurations of simulated sand dune habitat. We quantified mass specific oxygen consumption (M O₂; mg O₂ kg^?1 h^?1) using intermittent flow‐through respirometry for age‐0 sturgeon (140–170 mm) in front of a sand dune, behind a sand dune and in the absence of a sand dune at two velocities (25 and 50 cm s^?1) commonly observed in field studies of sturgeon habitat use. Sturgeon displayed distinct station holding behaviours for each habitat configuration. Dune location did not affect energy expenditure, but sturgeon M O₂ was on average 16–20% higher in the absence of a sand dune depending on dune configuration. M O₂ was on average 14% higher at 50 cm s^?1 compared with 25 cm s^?1. Our results provide a potential mechanism for over two decades of research on why sturgeon and other benthic fishes exhibit selection for sand dune habitat in large rivers. Fishes that select main channel habitats may depend on energetic relief provided by sand dunes, especially when other forms of structure are not available. For this reason, alluvial sand dune habitat may be important to the persistence of benthic fishes in high flow environments. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Using United States Geological Survey stream gages to predict flow and temperature conditions to maintain freshwater mussel habitat

Habitat conditions necessary to support freshwater mussels can be difficult to characterize and predict, particularly for rare or endangered species such as the federally endangered dwarf wedgemussel, Alasmidonta heterodon. In this study, we evaluate flow and temperature conditions in three areas of the mainstem Delaware River known to consistently support A. heterodon, and we develop predictive models using the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) stream gages and thermal stations in order to identify conditions under which habitat alteration could threaten the species. Flow and temperature prediction models based on nearby existing USGS gage and thermal stations were predictive for all three sites. Both discharge prediction and water depth profile models indicate one location (Site 3) was the most vulnerable to low‐flow conditions as it requires the highest discharge rate (26.3 cms) at the USGS Callicoon gage to maintain both the full wetted perimeter (P_full) and minimal wetted perimeter (P_min) and prevent occlusion of areas that contain A. heterodon. Flow management targets aimed at protecting Site 3 should also protect Sites 1 and 2. Although analyses indicated significant benthic habitat available in all three sites even under low discharge rates, specific mussel locations could be vulnerable to dewatering and thermal stress if only P_min values were maintained. Results indicate the magnitude of site temperature deviations from thermal stations varied by site and river temperature. In general, our results suggest that existing temperature and stream gage infrastructure may be used predictively to evaluate the effects of different flow targets on mainstem Delaware River A. heterodon habitat.     

Reach‐scale interactions between aquatic plants and physical habitat: River Frome,Dorset

Substrate and flow velocity are two key physical factors influencing the distribution of aquatic plants. These two controls are closely related and reflect interactions between flow regime, quantity and calibre of sediment supplied to and bounding river channels, and channel dimensions. Seasonal growth of aquatic plants has important impacts upon flow resistance, flow velocities and sediment dynamics. This paper focuses upon the reach scale and the aggregate impact of the seasonal growth of aquatic plants on the meso‐habitat characteristics of chalk rivers. It provides a contribution to the broader literature by illustrating how submerged and emergent macrophytes interact with one another at the reach scale to control flow patterns and the retention of fine sediment. The research was conducted within the River Frome, Dorset, UK. Four sets of observations from 2004 of the seasonal growth of aquatic plants, flow velocity behaviour and the storage of fine sediment are presented. Aggregate velocity behaviour over the four observation periods is classified using agglomerative, hierarchical cluster analysis. The spatial arrangement of patches exhibiting different aggregate velocity behaviour are explored and the degree to which velocity behaviour can be attributed to physical characteristics of patches and the growth of aquatic plants is discussed. Conclusions include: (i) patterns of aggregate velocity behaviour within reaches are strongly influenced by macrophyte growth; (ii) average fine sediment deposition is higher around emergents such as Sparganium erectum than submerged plants such as Ranunculus penicillatus subsp. pseudofluitans; (iii) complementary flow patterns evolve across the river channel as aquatic macrophytes grow and it appears that this allows marginal emergents to scavenge fine sediment from faster flow velocity threads that become diverted towards the channel edges. (iv) These processes are important for mesohabitat evolution and maintenance, and they also contribute to patterns of bank erosion and aggradation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of obstacles and flow velocity on locomotory behavior in juvenile,silver carp,Hypophthalmichthys molitrix

We currently have only a minimal understanding of energy‐saving strategies of fish in unsteady flows. In this study, we found that obstacle shape can affect swimming ability of fish: our results suggested that a half cylinder improved critical swimming speed of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) compared with swimming downstream of a full cylinder, square tube or for free‐flow conditions. We also discovered how silver carp alter their locomotory behavior in response to turbulent flow caused by varying flow velocities around obstacles. At a flow velocity of 1 BL/s (body length per second), the fish spent similar percentages of time between holding station and moving forward behind the half cylinder: their motions resembled freestream swimming behavior. The greatest percentage of time spent downstream of the half cylinder occurred at a flow velocity of 5 BL/s. Fish were unstable and displayed irregular body motions with large lateral displacement at 5 BL/s. However, the fish held station for a long time and moved forward steadily behind the half cylinder at 3 BL/s. In holding station behind the half cylinder, fish maintained constant tail‐beat frequency and tail‐ beat amplitude when flow velocity was increased from 1 to 3 BL/s. In moving forward behind the half cylinder, fish increased tail‐beat frequency and tail‐beat amplitude while maintaining constant ground swimming speed, swimming acceleration and ground stride when flow velocity was increased from 3 to 5 BL/s. Moreover, fish positioned their snouts in a small area approximately 1–3 BL downstream from the half cylinder at 3 BL/s. These behaviors support the hypothesis that turbulence behind a half cylinder was a suitable location for fish to conserve energy at 3 BL/s. Our results indicate that the combined effect of obstacles and flow velocity influence fish locomotory behavior, and some combinations may be beneficial to fish energy expenditure swimming in unsteady flow.     

Differences in physical habitat simulation system modelling results using benthic or pelagic fish species as indicators in Peruvian Andes–Amazon rivers

Aquatic organisms with different adaptations are used as indicators in physical habitat simulation system models. Those adaptations are critical for determining the shape of the weighted usable area/width curve and for recommending values of environmental flows. The main objective of this study is to compare the use of benthic native species (Astroblepus taczanowskii and Astroblepus vanceae) versus the introduced Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) as target indicators for PHABSIM modelling in the Andean–Amazon piedmont rivers. We used adjusted probability distribution functions with L‐moments analyses for developing curves of use and preference to evaluate the efficiency of each indicator. Two hydraulic modelling sections were established in the Ulcumayo River with 21 and 27 cross sections, respectively. Native benthic species are usually dominant but scarcely used as focus organisms for environmental flows modelling. These species are associated with fast running and shallow waters, which makes them potentially more sensitive to the effects of flow reduction. Our results indicated that the native species were more restricted to velocity and depth than O. mykiss. Using selection curves in PHABSIM modelling, it is required between 10% to 94% of the mean monthly flow to preserve 90% of the available habitat for Astroblepus during the dry season (May to November). In contrast, rainbow trout requires 5% to 88% of the mean monthly flow. We conclude that a multispecies approach is useful for determining the required environmental instream flows contributing to a better sustainable condition for the Neotropical mountain rivers.     

Investigating the turbulent flow characteristics in an open channel with staggered vegetation patches

In the present study, flow around circular and staggered vegetation patches was investigated numerically. For turbulence modelling, the Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes technique and Reynolds stress model were adopted. The numerical model was validated with the experimental data using varying vegetation density and flow velocities. The simulated results of mean stream‐wise velocities were in close agreement with the experimental results. The results show that the mean stream‐wise velocity in the downstream regions of vegetation patches were reduced, whereas the velocity in the free stream regions were increased. The influence of neighbouring and staggered vegetation patches on the flow was observed. The vegetation patches with larger nondimensional flow blockage (aD = 2.3, where a is the frontal area per volume of patches, and D is the diameter of vegetation patches) offered more turbulence when compared to the patches with a smaller flow blockage (aD = 1.2). Larger turbulence in the form of kinetic energy and turbulent intensity was recorded within the vegetation as well as the regions directly behind the patches. Negative Reynolds stresses were observed at the top of submerged vegetation. The turbulence characteristics peaked at the top of vegetation, that is, z/h = 1.0 (where z is the flow depth, and h is the vegetation height), which may be migrated vertically as the frontal area of the vegetation patch is increased. This high frontal area also increased stream‐wise velocity above the vegetation, leading to an increased variation in turbulence around the vegetation canopy.     

Three‐dimensional flow dynamics around deflectors

Many river rehabilitation projects to enhance the aquatic habitat focus on the creation of pool and riffle habitat by the implementation of flow deflectors, with various degrees of successes and failures. A more comprehensive understanding of the complex three‐dimensional flow dynamics that induces scour around instream structures is required for a more effective design. The objective of this study is to examine the three‐dimensional mean and turbulent flow characteristics around paired flow deflectors for various types of deflector design in a laboratory flume. Three deflector angles (45°, 90° and 135°) and two deflector heights (with flow under and over the deflector height) were tested over a smooth (plexiglas) bed and a sand bed. Three‐dimensional velocity measurements were taken with an acoustic Doppler velocimeter at several planform positions at two heights above the bed. Results show that the 90° deflectors create the most important disturbance in the mean flow field, in turbulence intensity and bed shear stress. There is, however, a marked difference in the spatial distribution of the mean and turbulent parameters over a mobile bed and over a smooth, fixed bed. This stresses the importance of understanding the feedback between bed topography and flow dynamics and limits the applicability of conclusions drawn from plane bed experiments to natural rivers. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluating Methods to Establish Habitat Suitability Criteria: A Case Study in the Upper Delaware River Basin,USA

Defining habitat suitability criteria (HSC) of aquatic biota can be a key component to environmental flow science. HSC can be developed through numerous methods; however, few studies have evaluated the consistency of HSC developed by different methodologies. We directly compared HSC for depth and velocity developed by the Delphi method (expert opinion) and by two primary literature meta‐analyses (literature‐derived range and interquartile range) to assess whether these independent methods produce analogous criteria for multiple species (rainbow trout, brown trout, American shad, and shallow fast guild) and life stages. We further evaluated how these two independently developed HSC affect calculations of habitat availability under three alternative reservoir management scenarios in the upper Delaware River at a mesohabitat (main channel, stream margins, and flood plain), reach, and basin scale. In general, literature‐derived HSC fell within the range of the Delphi HSC, with highest congruence for velocity habitat. Habitat area predicted using the Delphi HSC fell between the habitat area predicted using two literature‐derived HSC, both at the basin and the site scale. Predicted habitat increased in shallow regions (stream margins and flood plain) using literature‐derived HSC while Delphi‐derived HSC predicted increased channel habitat. HSC generally favoured the same reservoir management scenario; however, no favoured reservoir management scenario was the most common outcome when applying the literature range HSC. The differences found in this study lend insight into how different methodologies can shape HSC and their consequences for predicted habitat and water management decisions. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.     

桥梁基桩在含沙水流冲击作用下的冲蚀磨损数值模拟研究

过水桥梁的基桩外露已成为影响桥梁安全性的重要因素,携沙水流会对外露部分的基桩产生冲蚀作用,加速混凝土的破坏,累积到一定程度,会导致桥梁安全性降低,影响桥梁交通的正常运营。为研究携沙水流对基桩的冲蚀磨损规律及其影响因素,利用ANSYS-Workbench建立三维模型,在FLUENT的工作环境下,模拟水沙两相流的流动特性,并求解得出基桩最大冲蚀磨损速率。通过数值模拟,研究了携沙水流的流场特性,并得出了在不同流速、含沙量及粒径下的冲蚀磨损规律。结果表明:流速、含沙量及粒径都对最大冲蚀率有较大影响,其中,最大冲蚀率随流速的增加而增大,并呈现出明显的指数关系;含沙量与最大冲蚀率呈现出正相关关系;最大冲蚀率随粒径的增大呈现出先减少后趋于稳定的趋势。研究成果可以为后续基桩冲蚀磨损预测的工程应用提供相关依据。     

侧向水流作用下均匀沙休止角变化的试验研究

散体沙动水休止角是表征沙丘、沙洲等散体沙堆积体稳定形态的重要特征参数,在岸坡稳定分析、坝前冲刷漏斗形态研究中有着广泛的应用。采用室内试验的方法研究了侧向水流作用下不同粒径天然均匀散体沙水下休止角的变化规律。结果表明:在水流流速超过泥沙颗粒起动流速后,天然散体沙水下休止角随流速增大而减小,且减小的速度随着流速的进一步增加而更加迅速;相同流速条件下,粗颗粒泥沙的水下休止角大于细颗粒,其对流速变化的敏感度也低于细颗粒。基于侧向水流边坡上泥沙颗粒的受力分析,引入相对流速概念,初步建立了侧向水流作用下均匀散体沙动水休止角计算公式及其简化形式。     

A MODEL INCORPORATING DISTURBANCE AND RECOVERY PROCESSES IN BENTHIC INVERTEBRATE HABITAT—FLOW TIME SERIES

We describe and demonstrate a model (Benthic Invertebrate Time Series Habitat Simulation) for calculating the effect of changes to flow regimes on benthic invertebrate habitat and population dynamics. The following inputs are required: a hydrograph (discharge time series), habitat–discharge relationship, disturbance–discharge relationship, wetted width–discharge relationship and a recolonization time series. Habitat–discharge, disturbance–discharge and wetted width–discharge relationships are common outputs from instream hydraulic habitat models (e.g. Physical Habitat Simulation, River Hydraulic Habitat Simulation and River2D). Hydraulic habitat models calculate a combined habitat suitability index from physical habitat suitability curves for water depth, velocity and substrate composition and weight this by area to give a weighted usable area (WUA). Because conventional invertebrate habitat suitability curves are based on density estimates, the combined habitat suitability index can be treated as an index of density and WUA treated as an index of potential relative abundance (at the reach scale) in the absence of disturbance due to flow variation (flooding and drying) and biotic processes. Our approach begins with WUA and calculates realizable suitable habitat (i.e. relative abundance) by taking into account the resetting of benthic invertebrate densities by floods and drying and recovery (or accrual) rates and times. The approach is intended mainly to compare the relative amounts of productive invertebrate habitat sustained by natural and modified flow regimes, but it also has the potential for investigating the influence of flow variation on invertebrate population dynamics. We anticipate that the model will be particularly useful for assessing effects of changes in flow regimes caused by diversions, abstractions or water storage on annual benthic invertebrate productivity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.