Application of an unsteady three‐dimensional computational fluid dynamics model to predictive habitat modelling of macroinvertebrates—A case study at the Ziller River in Austria

Abstract The Ziller River, a tributary to the Inn in Tyrol, Austria, is affected by hydropower generation. Macroinvertebrate habitat‐preferences were investigated field and corresponding habitat suitability curves applied successfully novel integrative assessment method based on hydrodynamic modelling. Here, reach of River simulated using three‐dimensional unsteady model. simulation results are predictive macroinvertebrate Habitat suitably indices (HSI) calculated temporal alterations bed shear stress values. Model free from two‐dimensional flow‐averaging approximations demonstrate critical information lost lower‐order models due simplification procedures. Shear values, velocity components, flow provided current study. Considering results, implementation supplementary details studies integration into further investigations discussed.