A meso-predator release of stickleback promotes recruitment of macroalgae in the Baltic Sea

► We explore large-scale effects of a meso-predator release in the Baltic Sea. ► High meso-predator densities resulted in 3 times higher recruitment of macroalgae. ► High numbers of the dominating grazers were found with low meso-predator densities. ► Cascading effects were likely to be transferred by changes in the grazer assemblage.