Economic losses caused by disease outbreaks in marine fisheries and aquaculture exceed US$6 billion per year globally. Decades of research in human and plant pathogens have revealed that the ability of pathogens to infect their host is governed by behaviour. However, our understanding of the chemical cues affecting the behaviour of marine pathogens is still in its infancy. This project will combine cutting-edge approaches in chemical imaging, microbial ecology, and microfluidics to identify the cues that govern the behaviour of marine pathogens. Expected outcomes include an improved capacity to predict, monitor and manage marine diseases, as well as novel strategies to prevent disease outbreaks, helping to protect Australia’s marine estate.