10. The Role of Fungi in Marine Detrital Processes

do form an important component of detritus in the neretic, as well as the oceanic realms. The greater awareness of bacteria in marine detritus as compared to fungi may be attributed to the absence of a comprehensive review on the role of fungi in detrital proceses, bringing together information from widely scattered publications. While evaluating the role of fungi in these processes, it is essential to know their diversity, biomass, biodegradative role and importance as food to detritivorous animals. Much information is now available on these aspects. Much more, however, remains unknown. This article is an attempt to bring together information on fungi in marine detritus.