Abstract: Since 2007, large-scale green tides of Ulva prolifera have successively occurred in the Yellow Sea for 14 years, which have been considered as a routine marine ecological disaster of China. The unique features of U. Prolifera green tides in the Yellow Sea, such as the wide-spread outbreak, long-lasting occurrence and large-area influence, could cause severe ecological consequences. This paper reviews the latest research progress in the effect and mechanism of U. Prolifera green tides on coastal tourism, mariculture industry and ecosystem. On the basis of current research work, the existing problems are analyzed and the future research direction are discussed.