In order to optimize the design of a 12.5 m deepwater channel project and protect the ecological environment, it is necessary to study the habitat evaluation of species in the engineered area. A coupled eco-hydrodynamic model, which combines a hydrodynamic model （ADCIRC） and a habitat suitability index （HSI） model is developed for target fish （Coilia nasus） and benthos （Corbicula fluminea） in the Yangtze River in order to predict the ecological changes and optimize the regulation scheme. Based on the existing research concerning the characteristics of Coilia nasus and Corbicula fluminea, the relationship between the target species and water environment factors is established. The verification results of tidal level, velocity and biological density show that the proposed coupling model performs well when predicting ecological suitability in the studied region. The results indicate a slight improvement in the potential habitat availability for the two species studied as the natural hydraulic conditions change after the deep-water channel regulation works.
