Abstract: Seaweed bed ecosystem is one of the typical nearshore ecosystems. Because of its unique structure and function, the ecology and engineering of this ecosystem have received much attention around the world in recent years. In this paper, the concept, structure, and function of seaweed bed ecosystem, as well as the definition and implementing steps of seaweed bed ecosystem engineering were introduced, and the most recent development in the research of seaweed bed ecosystem in developed countries was reviewed, with the research projects in the United States and Japan as examples. More basic research in seaweed bed ecosystems in China was urgent to be conducted to promote the marine economy and the development of relevant sciences and technologies.

Key words: Cryptocarya chinensis, AFLP, Genetic variation, Community, Population