Comparative Assessment of Macroinvertebrate Habitat Suitability in Mediterranean (Greek) and Semi-Arid (Moroccan) River Reaches.

Abstract: Ecohydraulic models have long been used to determine environmental flows downstream of dams, but the often lack of local habitat suitability curves (HSCs) prevents their wider implementation. To overcome this, ecohydraulic experts often use HSCs developed in ‘foreign’ river reaches. However, this approach may result in unrealistic ecohydraulic outputs. We developed and compared HSCs for freshwater macroinvertebrates from Greek (Mediterranean climate) and Moroccan (semi-arid climate) river reaches, to (i) either support or discourage the use of ‘foreign’ HSCs in ecohydraulic models, and (ii) provide locally developed HSCs for robust ecohydraulic simulations in Greek and Moroccan river reaches. Macroinvertebrates were influenced by water depth and substrate type in the Moroccan river reaches, and by flow velocity and water depth in the Greek river reaches. Moreover, they had different optimal habitat preferences. Our results discourage the use of ‘foreign’ HSCs in ecohydraulic models, especially in areas of different hydro-climatic properties.     «

Abstract: Ecohydraulic models have long been used to determine environmental flows downstream of dams, but the often lack of local habitat suitability curves (HSCs) prevents their wider implementation. To overcome this, ecohydraulic experts often use HSCs developed in ‘foreign’ river reaches. However, this approach may result in unrealistic ecohydraulic outputs. We developed and compared HSCs for freshwater macroinvertebrates from Greek (Mediterranean climate) and Moroccan (semi-arid climate) r...     »