Abstract. Coastal wetland vegetation plays a vital role in shoreline protection and ecosystem management, highlighting the need for accurate and high-resolution mapping of these unique and vulnerable habitats. Here, we present CCAV-10m, the first publicly available annual species-level wetland dataset for eastern coastal China at 10 m resolution (2016–2023). This dataset was generated using a novel phenology-guided coastal wetland vegetation classification network (P_SVCN), which integrates Sentinel-1/2 satellite imagery with extensive in situ observations. Validation based on 4668 in situ samples confirms that P_SVCN delivers strong classification performance, achieving an overall accuracy of 0.916 and a Kappa coefficient of 0.898. Spatiotemporal analysis of CCAV-10m reveals that Suaeda spp. is the dominant vegetation type, followed by Spartina alterniflora, whose coverage nearly equals the combined extent of Phragmites australis, mangroves, Scirpus mariqueter, and Tamarix chinensis. Notably, this work fills critical gaps in both spatial detail and temporal consistency across existing coastal wetland datasets, demonstrating the effectiveness of deep-learning-based fusion of optical and SAR data for high-resolution vegetation mapping. Regular updates to CCAV-10m will support long-term coastal wetland research, enhance invasive species monitoring, and inform wetland restoration and precision management efforts. The CCAV-10m dataset is openly accessible at https://doi.org/10.57760/sciencedb.31077 (Li et al., 2025).

ABSTRACT Invasive species can fundamentally alter their introduced habitats by changing natural processes and harming native species crucial to functional ecosystems and human needs. Although the number of potential invasive species is large, the suitability of novel locations to support population establishment is limited by both physical and environmental conditions. Effective management to prevent, contain, and eradicate invasive species now and in the future can be informed by place‐based vulnerability assessments. We aim to better understand how environmental fluctuations affect the habitat suitability for two genera of invasive aquatic plants. These are the macrophytes Ludwigia spp. in the Willamette River, Oregon, USA, and the riparian species Reynoutria spp., in the coastal watersheds of Washington, USA. To understand the effects of environmental variability on biological invasions of the two genera in their respective introduced habitats, we use a six‐algorithm species distribution model ensemble with five general circulation models for two scenarios of societal development to project habitat suitability. Our models project that habitat suitability for Ludwigia and Reynoutria could decrease by the end of the 21st century along river mainstems. Results for Ludwigia show both range expansion and contraction in the tributaries of the Willamette River under differing projected temperature and precipitation scenarios. In contrast, the headwaters of the Washington Coastal systems become increasingly suitable for Reynoutria under modeled futures. Early detection and rapid response techniques may help manage these already established genera owing to the potential for novel expansion into headwater systems if temperature and precipitation shifts occur.

The Pearl River Estuary (PRE) is highly vulnerable to alien species invasion due to intense anthropogenic activities in southern China. However, the invasion risk of alien aquatic vertebrates in the PRE remains unclear. In this study, 12 environmental DNA (eDNA) samples were collected from the PRE to reveal the composition and distribution of alien aquatic vertebrates using a vertebrate-universal primer set, and to assess their invasion risks using the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS-ISK). We identified a total of nine alien aquatic vertebrate species, including one amphibian (Aquarana catesbeiana) and eight fish species (Coptodon zillii, Oreochromis niloticus, Gambusia affinis, Cirrhinus mrigala, Labeo rohita, Pterygoplichthys pardalis, Ictalurus punctatus, and Neosalanx taihuensis). Notably, six of the nine alien species were detected at eight or more sampling sites, indicating their wide distribution in the PRE. Moreover, all nine alien species were classified as high risk based on AS-ISK, suggesting potential damage to local ecosystems and the aquaculture industry. Our study can help inform policy decisions for the prevention and control of alien aquatic vertebrates in the PRE.

The Mediterranean Sea is both a global biodiversity hotspot and the world’s most heavily invaded marine region, where non-indigenous species arrivals are accelerating under intensifying shipping, Suez Canal traffic, aquaculture, and climate warming. Yet, despite rapidly growing research activity, a comprehensive synthesis of the scientific literature on Mediterranean marine invasions has been lacking. This study provides the first Mediterranean-wide combined bibliometric and topic-modeling analysis of invasive marine species research, using 3521 unique documents retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science. We quantify temporal growth in publications and citations, map the conceptual structure of the field through co-citation, co-word, and topic modeling, and reveal pronounced regional and thematic biases. Latent Dirichlet Allocation resolves 13 coherent topics, dominated by first records of non-native species, invasive macroalgae, alien species diversity, and ecological impacts, with strong signals for Lessepsian migration and climate-driven range shifts, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean. Spatial and thematic analyses reveal pronounced regional biases, with invasion hotspots in the Aegean and Levantine seas contrasted by comparatively sparse coverage of western and central sub-basins, and notable gaps in predictive modeling and socioeconomic assessments. The results underscore the need to rebalance effort toward under-studied regions and themes, while leveraging existing collaboration networks and methodological advances to support MSFD (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) implementation, International Maritime Organization (IMO) instruments, and broader ecosystem-based management. The reproducible framework presented here offers a baseline for periodically tracking research evolution and guiding adaptive, transboundary governance of Mediterranean marine bio-invasions.

Urban environments are increasingly subject to anthropogenic pressures and climate change-induced stresses such as salinity and drought. Urban greening initiatives require the selection of ornamental species that are increasingly adapted to the unique challenges of cities. This study evaluates the response to salt and drought stress of two potential alternatives to the non-native invasive species Ligustrum sinense Lour.: Ligustrum vulgare L. (European native), and Ligustrum japonicum Thunb. ‘Texanum’ (non-invasive ornamental cultivar). A total of 270 plants, approximately 25 cm in height, including 90 plants each of L. sinense . L. japonicum ‘Texanum’, and L. vulgare were placed in a growth chamber and grown under controlled conditions from March 2024 to June 2024. The plants were subjected to one of two NaCl treatments, corresponding to 150 mM (moderate salt stress) and 300 mM (severe salt stress) or deionized water (control). Additionally, two irrigation levels were implemented, specifically 30% (severe drought stress) and 60% of the pot capacity (moderate drought stress), while the control group received 90% of the pot capacity. All three species showed intolerance to severe drought stress and its combined effect with moderate and severe salt stress. Ligustrum sinense survived only to moderate drought stress (60%). Moderate drought stress negatively affected 3D leaf area, digital biomass, and chlorophyll content, as well as dry biomass of shoots and roots, and compromised root development. In L. japonicum ‘Texanum’, drought and salinity stresses, applied individually or in combination, led to a significant reduction in 3D leaf area and digital biomass. Salinity significantly affected water band index, particularly at high levels and under combined stress. Shoot dry biomass declined under all stresses, while dry root biomass was unaffected. In L. vulgare , salinity was the main limiting factor for 3D leaf area and digital biomass, particularly under combined salt and drought conditions, causing reductions in NDVI, chlorophyll content, leaf water status, and pigment balance, indicating accelerated leaf senescence. Salinity and combined stresses most strongly affected shoot dry biomass, and also decreased root dry biomass and architecture. These findings support the use of these species as alternatives in European urban greening efforts.

Biological invasions can adversely affect pollinator diversity by threatening the maintenance of animal-pollinated plant communities. Although most studies have examined single invasive species, accelerating species introductions driven by global trade highlight the need to understand how multiple co-occurring invaders jointly influence pollination networks. We leveraged the relative simplicity of the Ogasawara archipelago to assess the combined impacts of multiple invaders on pollination networks. We surveyed floral and pollinator communities and quantified plant-pollinator interactions across four islands with varying degrees of invasion. We characterized invasion degree based on the abundance of three invasive taxa: green anoles (Anolis carolinensis), a predator; western honey bees (Apis mellifera), a floral competitor; and several flowering plants. Structural equation models were used to quantify direct and indirect effects of these invaders on effective plant-pollinator partners (niche breadth or variety of partners a species interacts with in a given community) and the degree of specialization (d', niche partitioning or selectivity of a species) of plant and pollinator communities. All invaders strongly affected pollinator diversity and, to a lesser extent, plant diversity. Anoles had the strongest negative effect on pollinator diversity, triggering cascading effects across the trophic chain. Directly or indirectly, all invaders negatively affected plant resource use. Honey bee abundance had a direct negative effect on plant effective partners and specialization, and anole abundance and the proportion of invasive plants indirectly affected plant resource use through a reduction in pollinator diversity. Degree of invasion and network structure mediated whether honey bees contributed to functional compensation or facilitated invasional meltdown. Our findings demonstrated that co-occurring invaders generated synergistic pressures on pollinators and plants, underscoring the importance of evaluating invasions in a multistressor context. Integrative approaches are essential for developing conservation strategies in vulnerable ecosystems, particularly oceanic islands, where biological invasions are the principal driver of biodiversity loss.

Freshwater fish biodiversity is undergoing a rapid decline worldwide due to habitat fragmentation, climate change, invasive species, overexploitation and pollution. Yet, for many regions, including biodiversity-rich but underrepresented areas such as Türkiye, large-scale assessments of species diversity and distribution remain limited. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding offers a powerful, non-invasive and scalable tool for biodiversity assessment, capable of detecting both common and cryptic taxa. Here, we present the first nationwide, basin-scale eDNA metabarcoding survey of freshwater fishes across Türkiye's major river systems, spanning a transect of more than 6000 km and encompassing 29 sampling sites across seven principal basins. Triplicate water samples were analysed using high-throughput sequencing of the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene, generating 351,392 high-quality reads (after filtration) and detecting 52 fish species, including native, invasive and several taxa previously unrecorded in their respective basins. The Eastern Mediterranean basin exhibited the highest species richness (28 species) and diversity (H' = 2.35; 1 - D = 0.88), whereas beta-diversity analyses revealed marked spatial structuring among basins (Jaccard similarity 0.17-0.58) and a clear biogeographic separation in principal co-ordinates analysis (PCoA) ordination. Importantly, eDNA metabarcoding uncovered cryptic and low-abundance taxa not detected by conventional surveys, demonstrating its complementary value and sensitivity. By providing the first comprehensive molecular baseline of Turkish freshwater ichthyofauna, this study illustrates the potential of large-scale eDNA approaches to transform biodiversity monitoring, inform conservation strategies and support management decisions in freshwater ecosystems facing accelerating environmental change.

Abstract When a species invades new areas, novel challenges drive rapid shifts in phenotypic traits. Few studies have exploited the opportunity to examine such shifts in replicate invasions of the same species into dissimilar habitats. The spread of cane toads (Rhinella marina) from South America to Hawai’i and thence to Australia has attracted intensive research, but introductions to other countries are less well-studied. We gathered data on the morphology of 80 field-captured toads on Ishigaki Island in southern Japan, a site to which toads were translocated (from Hawai’i, via Taiwan and the Daito Islands) in 1978. Comparison of our samples with cane toads from the native range (French Guiana) and other invasive populations (Hawai’i and Australia) reveals substantial shifts in mean body size and shape. Some of the shifts are unique to Ishigaki (e.g. larger body size, relatively wider heads, greater differences between the sexes in several body-shape traits). This strong divergence, despite the small spatial scale of the colonization of Ishigaki, suggests that sustained range expansion (a key driver of toad evolution in Australia) is not essential for rapid phenotypic divergence from the native-range phenotype. Comparisons between replicate invasions of globally widespread species can clarify the consistency of evolutionary changes induced by invasion and the role of site-specific factors in driving adaptive trajectories.

Abstract Invasive alien plants can provide economic or cultural benefits to local communities, influencing perceptions and potentially affecting management decisions. Understanding these perceptions is crucial to avoiding inefficiencies, misunderstandings and conflicts in the management of invasive alien species. Our study explored community perceptions and interactions with the fleshy‐fruited invasive shrub Pyracantha angustifolia (Franch.) C. K. Schneid in South Africa's montane grasslands, using mainly in‐person questionnaires, as well as telephonic and online questionnaires, conducted between 2021 and 2022. Results showed that while communities occasionally consumed the fruits, which were mostly eaten by children, acting both as seed predators and dispersers, the fruits were not used for subsistence purposes. Residents generally did not perceive P. angustifolia as problematic, while farmers and conservation practitioners considered it detrimental because of its impact on grazing, recreation and vegetation structure. Fire was considered the least effective control method over mechanical and chemical control, while government‐supported initiatives, such as the Expanded Public Works Programme, were the most preferred form of assistance for management. Understanding how communities interact with and perceive invasive alien plants is essential for aligning ecological goals with social realities and reducing potential conflicts. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Riparian ecosystems are being increasingly threatened by hydrological alteration and biological invasions, yet the role of local environmental heterogeneity in shaping invasion dynamics remains poorly understood. To address this, we tested the hypothesis that invasion patterns are spatially structured and therefore cannot be fully captured by global statistical models. We evaluated this hypothesis by analysing the relationship between soil sand content and the abundance of Gleditsia triacanthos in a riparian forest of the Esteros de Farrapos and Islands of the Uruguay River National Park, Uruguay. Generalized Linear Mixed Model revealed no significant relationship between soil sand content and G. triacanthos abundance (χ2 = 1.93, p = 0.17). In contrast, spatially explicit analyses showed that relationships between sand content and abundance were spatially contingent. Positive linear relationships predominated in areas with low sand content (mean 24.5%, n = 12), while negative relationships were restricted to the highest sand levels (mean 87.6%, n = 3). Intermediate sand-content zones (mean 47%, n = 16) showed no consistent patterns. These results suggest that invasion patterns vary across spatial contexts and may reflect the influence of different processes operating locally, indicating that relying solely on global analyses risks misinterpreting drivers and overlooking fine-scale variation. Our findings emphasize that understanding invasive species in heterogeneous systems requires considering whether mechanisms operate at local or broad scales, and that explicitly analyzing spatial structure can guide both hypothesis formulation and field study design.

Humans widely use pharmaceuticals due to their availability, effectiveness, quick pain relief, and ability to improve well-being and health conditions. Their presence in aquatic environments, even in small doses, leads to serious ecological disturbances and alterations in trophic chains. This study aimed to assess the mortality and mobility of native Gammarus pulex and invasive Gammarus tigrinus under exposure to the nonopioid analgesics paracetamol, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and a pharmaceutical mixture, as well as to determine their acute toxicity and impact on both species. At the 24 th and 96 th h of exposure, the highest increase in mortality was observed, most likely linked to shock caused by the sudden appearance of pollutants and the duration of exposure. Mortality was influenced not only by exposure time but also by the type of pharmaceutical. Paracetamol was the most lethal for both native and invasive species, though 100% mortality was recorded after 96 h of exposure. At a concentration of 5000 mg/L, all organisms died within 24 h. G. tigrinus , despite its broader ecological tolerance to pollution and resistance to environmental changes, responded to the presence of pharmaceuticals like G. pulex . Regarding survival, the ibuprofen–ketoprofen mixture in a 1:1 ratio was the least lethal for G. tigrinus , while ketoprofen alone was the least lethal for G. pulex . The availability and widespread use of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, combined with the lack of systematic monitoring of aquatic environments, pose serious challenges to aquatic organisms in the context of pharmaceutical pollution in water habitats.

Dreissena polymorpha, the zebra mussel, is one of the most widespread and ecologically disruptive invasive species in European freshwater systems. Despite its long presence in Latvia, genetic information on local populations has been lacking. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of genetic diversity and population structure of D. polymorpha across seven Latvian waterbodies, representing lakes, a reservoir, and a river system. Individuals were genotyped using five polymorphic microsatellite loci. Genetic variation was analysed through the standard genetic parameters, namely, number of alleles and frequency, heterozygosity estimates and genetic differentiation was estimated using FST statistics, Bayesian clustering, PCA, and Nei’s genetic distance. All loci were polymorphic, and no evidence of null alleles or recent bottlenecks was detected. Populations exhibited high genetic diversity. Significant heterozygote deficits were found in most populations. Genetic differentiation among populations was moderate overall, though three geographically proximate lakes showed minimal differentiation. Bayesian clustering and PCA identified four distinct genetic groups, indicating that hydrological isolation and limited dispersal contribute to population structuring. These findings demonstrate that Latvian D. polymorpha populations maintain substantial genetic diversity and exhibit clear spatial genetic structuring. This genetic information provides an essential foundation for monitoring invasion dynamics and informing management strategies aimed at limiting further spread and ecological impact.

The paper includes a meta-analysis of the effect of invasive species on the native aquatic biodiversity in different ecosystems. The aim of the study was to measure the ecological imbalances caused by invasive species and to identify other factors that determine their success in different aquatic environments, such as freshwater lakes, river systems, coastal areas, and marine conditions. The study methodically examined and synthesized the information by examining the peer-reviewed publications over the past 20 years. The methodology entailed the determination of standardized effect sizes of single studies, and then meta-regression analysis was done to establish significant variables that influence ecological change. The findings showed great negative effects on the native species richness in all the aquatic environments, with a pooled mean effect size of -0.84 in freshwater ecosystems. Of them, freshwater lakes were the most strongly affected (mean effect size = -0.88). The effects were relatively low but also relatively significant in marine ecosystems (mean effect size = -0.38). Nutrient loading has been mentioned to be a major cause of the success of invasive species, and environments with high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen exhibit a stronger correlation between the abundance of invasive species and the loss of biodiversity. The use of early detection and rapid response systems (EDRR) showed greater accuracy in freshwater ecosystems (0.86) compared to the marine systems (0.60). The results highlight the importance of custom management schemes that can focus on ecosystem factors specific to individual ecosystems (nutrient content and connectivity of habitats, etc.). Future studies should involve long-term monitoring to trace the temporal impact of invasions, cross-regional studies to comprehend the impact of the environmental and policy variables, and the establishment of more efficient monitoring, especially when it comes to marine ecosystems. Also, the importance of climate change in promoting the propagation of invasive species is a vital issue to explore in order to increase the conservation process.

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics during the past 50 yr in human and veterinary medicine and agriculture has enhanced the selection of antimicrobial resistant bacteria (AMRB) and genes (ARG), representing a serious threat to public health worldwide. Wildlife can act as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) environmental pollution, contributing to the dissemination of AMRB and ARG, especially in aquatic environments impacted by anthropogenic activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of the coypu (Myocastor coypus), an invasive semiaquatic species, as an ecologic sentinel of AMR in the wetlands of Catalonia, Spain. A total of 116 free-living coypu were analyzed to detect the presence of AMRB and determine their antimicrobial susceptibility profile, and to detect the carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase and colistin resistance genes by conventional PCR. Resistant bacteria were detected in 16.3% of the samples (n=19), belonging to Aeromonas spp. (31.5%), Pseudomonas spp. (26.3%), and Enterobacterales (42.1%), with Escherichia coli (26.3%) as the principal enterobacterium. Most isolates showed AMR to aminopenicillins, lincosamides, and third-generation cephalosporins. Conversely, all isolates were sensitive to carbapenems. Analysis of ARG revealed 32% (6/19) of strains were positive for the blaCMY-2 gene (three isolates of E. coli, two of Pseudomonas spp., and one of Aeromonas hydrophila). These findings reinforce the value of testing invasive species such as coypus as bioindicators of AMR in environmental surveillance programs.

Women can be infected with various types of fungal infections during their lives. Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the most common fungal infection in women, with a high prevalence rate. Candida spp. are the main causative agents of VVC, and C. albicans is the most common species. Such fungi usually have various virulence factors to cause VVC. Some are well identified, and others are not. Several genes and their proteins can be associated with the pathogenesis of Candida species to develop VVC. Hyphal wall protein 1 (HWP1) is one protein with different roles in adhesion, invasion, and morphological transition of Candida species. This review tried to clarify the nature of VVC and the role of virulence factors of Candida spp., particularly HWP1, in this infection. Keywords: Vulvovaginal candidiasis; Candida; HWP1; virulence factors; ALS

Taxonomy is a cornerstone of biological science and essential to biodiversity policy, yet it faces persistent structural challenges collectively known as the "taxonomic impediment". These include limited capacity, uneven geographic and taxonomic coverage, and a disconnect between the supply of expertise and its societal demand. In this study, we present a meta-research analysis of taxonomic activity in Europe over the past decade, drawing on publication metadata from OpenAlex, Wikidata, and GBIF. Using an open and reproducible workflow, we identify more than 31,000 authors affiliated with European institutions who have contributed to taxonomic publications, and we assess their taxonomic and institutional distribution. Using robust regression models, we show that biodiversity policy variables collectively explain additional variation in taxonomic research effort beyond species richness alone, with the Birds and Habitats Directives showing positive associations and marine-related policy variables showing negative associations. We explore how this supply of expertise compares with demands arising from European biodiversity policy, including legally binding instruments such as the Birds and Habitats Directives and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, as well as strategic initiatives focused on invasive alien species, crop wild relatives, and species of conservation concern. Our results highlight clear imbalances in capacity across taxonomic groups and regions, with some politically and ecologically significant taxa receiving comparatively little attention. This work illustrates how openly available data can be used to evaluate taxonomic capacity and its alignment with policy needs, providing a framework for strategic planning and investment in taxonomy.

Alternanthera philoxeroides is a highly invasive alien species in China that causes waterway blockages, agricultural yield loss, biodiversity decline, and ecosystem degradation. This study assessed the invasion risk and environmental drivers of A. philoxeroides in Guizhou Province, a karst mountainous region in Southwest China. Occurrence records were obtained from field surveys and the Chinese Virtual Herbarium. The genetic algorithm for rule-set production (GARP) model and the jackknife method were employed to identify 13 key environmental indicators for predicting invasion risk. The global invasion risk index (GIRI) was applied to quantify the overall invasion risk. Additionally, the Geodetector model was utilized to analyze the spatially differentiated effects of six environmental factors. The results showed that A. philoxeroides poses a high invasion risk in Guizhou Province, and the invasion risk in the Yangtze River Basin within Guizhou is higher than that in the Pearl River Basin. The environmental factors influencing invasion risk, in order of impact, were slope, elevation, land use, river density, rocky desertification, and soil pH. Moreover, interactions among these factors further amplify the invasion risk. These findings provide valuable insights for developing targeted management strategies for A. philoxeroides in karst mountainous regions and support biodiversity preservation and regional ecological sustainability.

On earth Freshwater wetlands are highly productive ecosystems and also provide complex trophic interactions as well as efficient energy transfer pathways. This study will aim at assessing the trophic processes and energy dynamics within freshwater wetlands ecosystems and more specifically the role of primary producers, consumers and decomposers in ensuring that the ecosystem is productive and stable. This analysis draws on a literature review and trophic modeling and trophic level analysis of the wetland biotic communities; macrophytes, phytoplankton, zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, fish, amphibians, and microbial decomposers. The conceptual trophic models and quantitative estimates of primary productivity, decomposition rates, and transfer efficiency of trophic models were used to study the energy transfer pathways. Other drivers of the environment like hydrology, nutrient supply, and light intensity were also analyzed to have insight into how it affect energy allocation in the ecosystem. It is established by the analysis that Primary producers contribute 60–65% of gross primary production (GPP), forming the base of the wetland food web. Grazing pathways produce about 60–90% of the energy flow whereas the detritus-based pathways produce about 10–40% of the energy flow underlining the preponderance of organic matter decomposition in the wetlands. The degradation rates of litter averaged at 3.0-3.5 g m -2 day -1, indicating high rate of recycling of nutrients and high activity of microorganisms. Nevertheless, there was an efficiency of 8-12% trophic transfer across trophic levels with some deviation of the classical ecological efficiency rule with the complexity of structure of wetlands and the composition of lignocellulosic wetlands. Nutrient pollution, hydrological changes and the presence of invasive species in the ecosystem were also cited as anthropogenic stressors that were able to decrease the efficiency of energy transfer and destabilize trophic cascades. The general implications of the study are that balanced relationships between grazing and detrital processes are required to sustain the productivity of wetlands and ecological resilience, so there is a need to have sustainable management and conservation strategies of the wetlands.

ABSTRACT Large free‐flowing rivers are rare but important ecosystems. Environmental conditions in these systems vary through space and time, resulting in dynamic patterns of habitat quality for aquatic species. Such variability could influence invasive species success by altering habitat quality, thereby supporting native species adapted to these conditions. Our study examined spatial and temporal trends in energetic habitat quality between native gizzard shad ( Dorosoma cepedianum ) and invasive silver carp ( Hypophthalmichthys molitrix ) in the free‐flowing Wabash River, USA. Environmental conditions (water temperature, velocity, prey type and density) were sampled throughout the river and used as input data to a spatially explicit bioenergetics model to predict fish growth rate potential as an index of habitat quality. Seasonal energetic habitat quality varied considerably for both species. Spring habitat quality was poor for both species throughout the river, and only small portions of the river were suitable during summer, mainly in off‐channel habitats. More of the river was suitable for gizzard shad, especially during autumn. During all seasons, spatial overlap in high‐quality habitat was high between species, especially in the highly suitable off‐channel and main‐channel border habitats. Promoting habitats in unregulated rivers that provide combinations of flow, food availability, and temperature unique to native species may be important for supporting native species and deterring invasive species. Dam removals that allow access to diverse off‐channel habitats may promote biodiversity and protect against invasions in riverscapes.

Wetlands are critical ecosystems that regulate hydrology, sustain biodiversity, and support human livelihoods, yet they are increasingly degraded by anthropogenic pressures and climate variability. Harike Wetland, the largest freshwater Ramsar site in northern India, is experiencing severe ecological stress due to altered hydrology, agricultural runoff, industrial effluents, sedimentation, and invasive species. This study integrates long-term satellite observations with field investigations to assess spatiotemporal surface water dynamics and water quality variations in Harike Wetland. Multi-decadal Landsat imagery (1984-2024) was used to evaluate long-term changes in surface water extent using the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, while Sentinel-2 MSI data (2016-2024) were employed to derive seasonal surface water distribution and optically active water quality parameters, including chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and total suspended matter (TSM). Seasonal water extent was delineated using the Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI), which performed effectively under turbid and vegetated conditions. Results indicate pronounced spatial heterogeneity and long-term shrinkage of peripheral wetland areas, with surface water extent increasing by 8.8% during pre-monsoon (2017-2024)and 3.7% during post-monsoon (2016-2023)periods, largely controlled by monsoonal inflows and regulated discharges. Water quality analysis revealed elevated pre-monsoon Chl-a concentrations (up to 39.6mg/m3) and TSM levels (up to 153.3g/m3), reflecting stagnant conditions, nutrient enrichment, and sediment accumulation. Post-monsoon periods showed comparatively lower Chl-a and TSM but higher turbidity due to runoff-driven sediment inflows and dilution effects. Field-based physicochemical measurements validated the satellite-derived results, highlighting the sensitivity of Harike Wetland to hydrological variability and anthropogenic stress. The study underscores the effectiveness of integrated remote sensing approaches for long-term wetland monitoring and recommends strengthened inflow regulation, sediment management, ecological restoration, and continuous satellite-based assessment for sustainable conservation of the wetland.