Evaluating impacts of non?native submerged aquatic vegetation on native nekton

The introduction and spread of non-native species restructure native ecosystems can be particularly impactful when invaders are ecosystem engineers or habitat-forming species. In coastal, estuarine, marine systems, submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), like macroalgae seagrasses, form key habitats for nekton, serving as nurseries, foraging grounds, reproduction sites. If provide sufficient structure and/or resources, they may exert a neutral positive effect on organisms occupying higher trophic positions. As such, we hypothesized that nekton response to SAV positive. We performed quantitative meta-analysis quantify impacts crabs, fishes, shrimps. extracted data from 35 studies evaluated 11 metrics related facilitation (e.g., habitat use foraging), restricting our analysis compared at least one these in co-occurring marine, estuarine systems. found abundance, richness, biomass were the most assessed performance. Our pooled revealed differential results among metrics, with growth enhanced richness setting. mean sizes all other including had 95% CIs overlapped zero, indicating no difference between SAV. For many endpoints, limited sample prevented robust inferences, but also highlighted areas where more research is needed future studies. Non-native have potential systems invade. lend support relative position hypothesis, formers facilitate levels. identify gaps guide allow comprehensive understanding responses engineers.