Distribution of benthic communities in a hypertidal estuary: Mapping potential prey resources for juvenile common sole Solea solea

Benthic macrofauna of the intertidal zone in the Severn Estuary was characterised, and its implications for potential food availability for juvenile common sole ( Solea solea ), a commercially valuable species, were discussed. Although the Severn Estuary supports fish assemblages of conservation interest, its role in sustaining juvenile fish populations remains poorly understood. Identifying high-quality habitats for juvenile sole is essential for effective conservation planning and ecosystem-based management. Direct measurements of habitat quality, such as fish abundance, growth, and contributions to adult population are challenging to obtain in hypertidal, complex systems like the Severn Estuary. Therefore, existing high-resolution benthic datasets were used to provide a first-order approximation of habitat quality and establish a baseline for future investigations. Because food availability strongly influences fish growth, distribution, and survival, examining prey assemblages offers valuable ecological insight. Benthic community structure was described across the intertidal area and statistically related to environmental variables, with a particular focus on habitat type. Results indicate that Habitats of Conservation Interest (seagrass beds and Sabellaria alveolata reefs) support greater potential prey diversity, whereas mudflats host higher potential prey biomass. Given the extensive mudflats in the estuary and the abundance of key sole prey taxa they harbour, intertidal mudflats are likely important feeding grounds for juvenile common sole. This study represents the most comprehensive invertebrate survey of the area, providing crucial insights into potential prey availability for juvenile common sole. These findings can inform conservation and management strategies in the Severn Estuary. • Benthic fauna communities are characterised in intertidal area of the Severn Estuary. • Results are interpreted as potential prey availability for juvenile common sole. • Habitats of Conservation Interest harbour a high diversity of potential prey. • Extended mudflats harbour a high biomass with key potential prey taxa. • Results serve as a baseline for future nursery habitat quality measurements.