4. Discussion
The results of these studies support the hypothesis that fish shoals
contribute substantial nutrients to pelagic Sargassum, enhancing
growth and productivity, especially in neritic locations where fish
shoals are common. This hypothesis was supported by multiple lines
of evidence, including: 1) increased growth rate and productivity in neritic
waters, 2) lower C:N:P ratios in S. natans and S. fluitans in neritic
compared to oceanic waters, and 3) abundant juvenile fishes in neritic
waters, which excrete substantial amounts of NH4+ and SRP into the
pelagic Sargassum habitat.