ABSTRACTDiseases and parasites are one of the most serious problems of the mariculturist. Tragic epidemics reported herein include: fungal infections of pompano (Trachinotus carolinus), diseases of several species of fin fish in Japan, vibrios of salmonids, diseases of penaeid shrimp, and others. A proposal is made to establish a service, sponsored by the World Mariculture Society, for combating disease problems. A handbook of maricultural diseases is also proposed.