Forty years of ecological engineering with Spartina plantations in China

In ecological engineering studies, both Spartina anglica and Spartina alterniflora play more important roles. Four advantages of ecological engineering over coastal engineering have been recognized: multiple uses, rapid success, good performance and low cost. Among uses are tideland reclamation, coastal stabilization, partial control of siltation, countermeasure against disasters of sea level rise, soil amelioration, pollution control, animal fodder, green manure, fish feed, primary producer of detritus food webs, food additive, etc. Recent works in Tianjin, Fujian and Guangdong are encouraging. Discussions of some important issues are made.