Parasites in the Wadden Sea food web

► We review the role of parasites in the Wadden Sea food web, focussing on molluscs. ► Parasites can directly affect host population dynamics, e.g. by increasing mortality. ► Parasites can indirectly mediate predator-prey interactions. ► Parasites can also affect the topology and dynamics of the entire food web. ► Global change is likely to affect future parasitism in the Wadden Sea.