Conceptual model showing the potential pathways through which variables could affect benthic macroinvertebrate and fish

Conceptual model showing the potential pathways through which variables associated with climate, landscape, and local in-stream habitat and water quality could affect benthic macroinvertebrate (BIBI) and fish (FIBI) assemblage condition in streams throughout Maryland, USA. Taking advantage of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources' stream survey program, we used data resampled 14 years apart (R2: 2000–2004; R4: 2014–2018) at 252 locations across Maryland. Structural equation modeling results show the total effects (%) of each predictor category on benthic macroinvertebrate and fish assemblages and compares predictor effects within and between each sample period.