Marine-derived fungi are a potential for the search of new compounds with relevant features. Among these, the ligninolytic enzymes have potential applications in a large number of fields, including the environmental and industrial sectors. This is the work aimed to evaluate the enzymatic activities of three marine-derived fungi (Aspergillus sclerotiorum CBMAI 849, Cladosporium cladosporioides CBMAI 857 and Mucor racemosus CBMAI 847) under different carbon sources and salinity conditions by using statistical experimental design. MnP, LiP and laccase were detected when these fungi were cultured in malt extract, however when grown on basal medium containing glucose and wheat bran LiP was not detected and yet an increase in MnP and laccase was observed. Statistical analysis through surface responses was performed and results showed high values of MnP and laccase activities under 12.5% and 23% (w/v) salinity, highlighting the potential use of these fungi for industrial applications and in bioremediation of contaminated sites having high salt concentrations. The highest values for Lip (75376.34 UI L-1), MnP (4484.30 IU L-1) and laccase (898.15 UI L-1) were obtained with the fungus M. racemosus CBMAI 847 and it is the first report concerning ligninolytic enzymes production by a zygomycete from this genus. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.