The main aim and objective of the Action are to organize and coordinate an innovative and dynamic Network, connecting academia, industries and water management authorities to advance and apply knowledge and expertise on zoosporic parasites (i.e. aquatic fungi and fungi-like microorganisms) and the relation with their hosts in natural ecosystems and industrial algal biotech production.

Zoosporic parasites cause severe host mortality of aquatic organisms. The economic impacts of parasitic diseases are notable in the microalgae biotech industry, affecting the production of food ingredients, biofuels, pharma- and nutraceuticals. But zoosporic parasites also constitute important drivers of natural populations, potentially influencing aquatic food webs and community dynamics, including maintaining and promoting diversity.