The role of grazers in early-life stages of Cystoseira sensu lato can be crucial in the restoration of marine forests

Grazing is one of the most important biological factors controlling abundance early-life stages fucoids and major issues when restoring marine forests. Benthic macroinvertebrates (e.g., sea urchins) fish shape regulate benthic macroalgal communities from polar to tropical regions can be responsible for regime shifts leading predominance turfs and/or barren grounds. However, other herbivores (i.e., mesograzers) could also significantly participate in grazing, especially on stages, hampering persistence capacity Cystoseira sensu lato populations recover after disturbances being a cause failure restoration actions. We performed experiments field mesocosm order investigate herbivory pressure effects different grazers recruits compressa. The results highlight that non-strict herbivorous invertebrates, such as Clibanarius erythropus , Cerithium vulgatum Idotea balthica graze s.l. spp., with I. showing highest consumption rate. concluded biotic herbivory, which affect key life crucial conservation forests need better understood considered case-by-case basis planning