Nature provides many examples of mechanisms to control fouling. These defences can be copied (biomimetic) or tailored (bioinspired) to solve problems of fouling on manmade structures. With increasing research in this area over the last two decades, it is timely to review this burgeoning subject, in particular as the biofouling field shifts focus towards novel, physical mechanisms to prevent and control fouling. This change is being promoted by advances in nano- and micro-scale patterning as well as in a variety of nano-biotechnologies, which are transforming the translation of natural surfaces into experimental materials. In this article, research on the defence of marine organisms against fouling and the technologies they are defining is reviewed.