The research field of fucoidans (sulphated polysaccharides from algae) and fucoidanases was strongly developing in recent years. Several different fucoidans and a few fucoidan-degrading enzymes were isolated and characterised. A high potential is seen in the medical exploitation of the fucoidans and its degradation products. This review gives an overview about the research of the last 5 years concerning fucoidan characterisation and application as well as enzyme detection, characterisation and production.