Abstract
A great diversity of organisms modify the physical structure of estuarine and coastal environments. Thesephysicalecosystemengineers – particularly, dune and marsh plants, mangroves, seagrasses, kelps, reef-forming corals and bivalves, burrowing crustaceans, and infauna – often have substantive functional impacts over large areas and across distinct geographic regions. Here, we use a general framework forphysicalecosystem engineering to illustrate how these organisms can exert control on sedimentary processes, coastal protection, and habitat availability to other organisms. We then discuss the management implications of coastal and estuarine engineering, concluding with a brief prospectus on research and management challenges | Gutiérrez, Jorge L. et al. | Gutiérrez, Jorge L.; Jones, C.G.; Byers, J.E.; Arkema, K.K.; Berkenbusch, K.; Commito, J.A.; Duarte, C.M.; Hacker, S.D.; Lambrinos, J.G.; Hendriks, I.E.; Hogarth, P.J.; Palomo, M.G.; Wild, C. Physical Ecosystem Engineers and the Functioning of Estuaries and Coasts. En: Wolanski, Eric & McLusky, Donald (eds.). Treatise on Estuarine and Coastal Science. Vol. 7: Functioning of Ecosystems and the Land-Ocean Interface. [S.l.]: Elsevier, 2011, p.53-81