Canopy-forming macroalgae can construct extensive meadow habitats in tropical seascapes occupied by fishes that span a diversity of taxa, life-history stages and ecological roles. Our synthesis assessed whether these tropical macroalgal habitats have unique fish assemblages, provide fish nurseries and support local fisheries. We also applied a meta-analysis of independent surveys across 23 tropical reef locations in 11 countries to examine how macroalgal canopy condition is related to the abundance of macroalgal-associated fishes. Over 627 fish species were documented in tropical macroalgal meadows, with 218 of these taxa exhibiting higher local abundance within this habitat (cf. nearby coral reef) during at least one life-history stage. Major overlap (40%-43%) in local fish species richness among macroalgal and seagrass or coral reef habitats suggest macroalgal meadows may provide an important habitat refuge. Moreover, the prominence of juvenile fishes suggests macroalgal meadows facilitate the triphasic life cycle of many fishes occupying diverse tropical seascapes. Correlations between macroalgal canopy structure and juvenile abundance suggests macroalgal habitat condition can influence levels of replenishment in tropical fish populations, including the majority of macroalgal-associated fishes that are targeted by commercial, subsistence or recreational fisheries. While many macroalgal-associated fishery species are of minor commercial value, their local importance for food and livelihood security can be substantial (e.g. up to 60% of landings in Kenyan reef fisheries). Given that macroalgal canopy condition can vary substantially with sea temperature, there is a high likelihood that climate change will impact macroalgal-associated fish and fisheries.

中文翻译：

---

大型藻类草甸栖息地支持各种热带海景中的鱼类和渔业

形成冠层的大型藻类可以在鱼类占据的热带海景中构建广泛的草甸栖息地，这些鱼类跨越多种分类群、生活史阶段和生态作用。我们的综合评估了这些热带大型藻类栖息地是否具有独特的鱼类组合、提供鱼类苗圃和支持当地渔业。我们还对 11 个国家/地区的 23 个热带珊瑚礁位置的独立调查进行了荟萃分析，以研究大型藻类冠层状况与大型藻类相关鱼类的丰度之间的关系。在热带大型藻类草甸中记录了超过 627 种鱼类，其中 218 种分类群在该栖息地（参见附近的珊瑚礁）内至少在一个生命史阶段表现出较高的局部丰度。大型藻类和海草或珊瑚礁栖息地之间当地鱼类物种丰富度的主要重叠 (40%-43%) 表明大型藻类草甸可能提供重要的栖息地避难所。此外，幼鱼的突出表明大型藻类草甸促进了占据不同热带海景的许多鱼类的三相生命周期。大型藻类冠层结构与幼鱼丰度之间的相关性表明，大型藻类栖息地条件会影响热带鱼种群的补充水平，包括商业、自给性或休闲渔业所针对的大多数大型藻类相关鱼类。虽然许多与大型藻类相关的渔业物种的商业价值很小，但它们对当地粮食和生计安全的重要性可能很大（例如，肯尼亚珊瑚礁渔业的上岸量高达 60%）。