Abstract: ‘Marine ecosystem engineers' are marine species that can shape habitats and benefit other marine organisms, which are widely found in marine plants, animals and microorganisms. Their ecological roles are the basis of marine ecological functions. By analyzing the relevant literature, we systematically reviewed the research progress of the ecological roles of ‘marine ecosystem engineers', and proposed the main research direction and content in the future. In general, ‘marine ecosystem engineers' play an active role in a particular marine environment. However, once they become invasive species, they may have negative impacts on the invasive sea area. In addition, some ‘marine ecosystem engineers' can have both positive and negative impacts simultaneously. In the future, it is necessary to strengthen researches on the role of ‘marine ecosystem engineers' in marine biological beds, marine biogenic reefs, marine biofilms and composite ecosystem engineering, effectively utilize their positive roles and prevent and control their negative impacts, so as to realize the comprehensive development, utilization and protection of the ocean.

Key words: marine ecosystem engineer, ecological role, positive effect, negative impact