Marine biotechnology is an emerging field in Brazil and includes the exploration of marine microbial products, aquaculture, omics, isolation of biologically active compounds, identification of biosynthetic gene clusters from symbiotic microorganisms, investigation of invertebrate diseases caused by potentially pathogenic marine microbes, and development of antifouling compounds. Furthermore, the field also encompasses description of new biological niches, current threats, preservation strategies as well as its biotechnological potential. Finally, it is important to depict some of the major approaches and tools being employed to such end. To address the challenges of marine biotechnology, the Brazilian government, through the Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation, and Communication, has established the National Research Network in Marine Biotechnology (BiotecMar) (www.biotecmar.sage.coppe.ufrj.br). Its main objective is to harness marine biodiversity and develop the marine bioeconomy through innovative research.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Institute of Biology and COPPE Federal University of Rio de JaneiroInstitute of Biology University of BrasiliaInstitute de Química de São Carlos Universidade de São PauloInstitute for Sea Studies Admiral Paulo MoreiraInstitute of Biological and Health Sciences Federal University of AlagoasInstitute of Medical Biochemistry Universidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroFaculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology Center Federal University of Rio Grande do SulPhytotechny Department Federal University of Santa CatarinaAcademic Center of Vitória Federal University of PernambucoInstitute of Biology Federal Fluminense UniversityInstitute for Marine Sciences Federal University of CearáDepartment of Biological Sciences State University of Santa CruzAquaculture Center São Paulo State UniversityInstitute of Oceanography Federal University of Rio GrandeFederal University of Paraiba UFPBFederal University of Pará UFPAUniversity of São Paulo USPNorthern Rio State University UENFFederal University of Santa Catarina UFSCState University of Santa Cruz UESCFederal University of Alagoas UFALUniversidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco UFRPEFederal University of Pernambuco UFPELNCCNational Laboratory For Scientific Computing LNCCOswaldo Cruz Foundation/Rondônia FIOCRUZFederal University of Bahia UFBAUFRJOswaldo Cruz Institute IOC-FIOCRUZIOC-FIOCRUZFederal University of São Paulo UNIFESPMinistry of Health MSMCTICState University of West Rio de Janeiro UEZONational Instute of Industrial Property INPIUnBUNESPAquaculture Center São Paulo State UniversityUNESPFAPESP: N° 408968/2013-3 CNP
