Marine fungus- Of no significant importance?

[planetluvver]

I am reading a text book on marine biology, and there is no discussion of fungus. The book is very lopsided in its treatment of various things. (Seems more space given to fish than all invertebrates combined.) So this may simply be the bias of the authors.

I would like to know for sure if this is the case.

Thanks!

[JackBean]

what fungus are you talking about?

[planetluvver]

Just any fungus in general. Is the kingdom of fungus important to marine biology? As I said, my textbook discusses not a single one.

I find it rather hard to believe, but I suppose it is possible that fungus is not very important, and that most marine decomposition is done by bacteria, or something.

[skeptic]

Marine fungi are just not very well studied. There are very large numbers of species, and it is probable that they have considerable importance in marine ecosystems, and as parasites on larger organisms.