Marine parasites represent a vast and ecologically critical component of aquatic ecosystems. These parasites exhibit an extraordinary diversity, estimated to span thousands of species across various taxonomic groups, including nematodes, trematodes, cestodes, and parasitic crustaceans. Understanding the complexities of marine parasitism is essential to unveil their ecological significance, effects on hosts, and the broader aquatic environment. Still, there remain significant gaps in our knowledge regarding their distribution, host specificity, and the subtle balance they maintain within marine ecosystems.

This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive characterization of marine parasite diversity, investigate their ecological and economic impacts on host species, and formulate evidence-based management strategies. The central objectives include answering specific questions about host-parasite dynamics, documenting biodiversity across parasites, evaluating their influence on ecosystems, and examining potential strategies for mitigating adversities caused by these organisms while simultaneously fostering ecosystem health and resource sustainability in marine environments.

The Research Topic's scope emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to advancing our understanding of marine parasites. To gather further insights into the diversity and impacts of marine parasites, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Taxonomic revisions using integrative morphology-molecular methods
- Molecular mechanisms of host-parasite interactions (e.g., immune evasion genes)
- Population genetics elucidating transmission pathways and speciation
- Ecological impacts quantifying effects on host fitness, food web dynamics, and ecosystem services (e.g., parasite-mediated nutrient cycling)

We welcome Original Research, Systematic Reviews, Methodological Advances (e.g., eDNA detection), and Modelling Studies addressing:

- Climate change impacts on parasite distribution
- Fisheries/aquaculture management strategies
- Conservation implications of parasite biodiversity loss
- Novel biocontrol approaches

Manuscripts must present empirical data or quantitative models relevant to marine ecosystems.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Parasites of Marine Species: Diversity, Impacts, and Management Strategies.