<![CDATA[Macroalgae are important components of coastal ecosystems, with their composition and distribution associated with habitat characteristics and environmental conditions. This study aimed to determine macroalgae composition and distribution and to analyze their association with physicochemical water characteristics at Tanjung Aan Beach, Central Lombok, Indonesia. A field survey was conducted in June 2025 at two stations representing different substrate types using the line transect method. Three transects were established at each station, with 11 quadrats placed along each transect, resulting in 66 quadrats. Species composition was determined from the relative proportion of each species, distribution patterns were analyzed using Morisita’s Index, and associations between macroalgae composition and environmental variables were evaluated using Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). A total of 20 species belonging to 15 genera and 8 orders were recorded. Station 1 had higher species richness (12 species) than Station 2 (9 species). Padina australis was dominant at Station 1 (36.88%), whereas Halimeda opuntia predominated at Station 2 (43.58%). Morisita’s Index indicated clustered distribution patterns across all transects, with values ranging from 1.84 to 4.52. CCA indicated that differences in macroalgae composition were associated with substrate characteristics and physicochemical parameters. Station 1 was associated with rock and rubble substrates and temperature, whereas Station 2 was associated with muddy, sandy-mud, and muddy-sand substrates, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen.]]>
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