From green tide disaster to green resource: a multidisciplinary review of research progress and future prospects on Ulva prolifera

The ongoing challenge of managing harmful algal blooms (HABs) represents a persistent threat to marine ecosystems and coastal communities globally. The recent multidisciplinary review focused on *Ulva prolifera* and its role in the Yellow Sea’s green tides offers a compelling case study in how research is shifting from reactive disaster control to proactive resource utilization. This transition is particularly noteworthy given the increasing frequency and intensity of HAB events driven by climate change and anthropogenic nutrient inputs. Understanding the complex interplay of ecological and physiological factors driving bloom dynamics is paramount, and this review highlights significant progress in areas like predictive modeling and early detection – advancements that resonate with broader trends in ocean monitoring, as exemplified by recent work examining [Climate-driven phenological shifts and biogeographical constraints of the hydrozoan *Velella velella* in Mediterranean coastal waters]. Further contextualizing this shift, research into the environmental influences on aquatic organisms is expanding, as evidenced by [Trends and hotspots in environmental epigenetics of aquatic invertebrates: a CiteSpace and VOSviewer-based bibliometric study], demonstrating a growing understanding of how species respond to dynamic environments. The integration of these ecological insights with innovative biotechnological applications, such as the exploration of *Ulva prolifera* biomass for functional foods and biomaterials, signals a potentially transformative approach to marine resource management.

The review’s strength lies in its holistic perspective, explicitly connecting ecological drivers to biotechnological and industrial feasibility. Previous research often siloed these domains, limiting the potential for truly integrated solutions. The emphasis on developing a closed-loop framework – “early warning–precise interception –high-value conversion” – is particularly promising. This structured approach, leveraging technologies like multi-source satellite remote sensing and eDNA-based detection, allows for targeted intervention and efficient resource recovery. The exploration of microbial degradation pathways, identifying key degraders and their influence on carbon cycling, also underscores the importance of considering the entire ecosystem when managing these blooms. The successful application of natural protoplast-based clonal propagation and the potential for genetic improvement through synthetic biology further enhance the feasibility of sustainable *Ulva prolifera* cultivation, mirroring the adaptive potential observed in other marine species, such as the expansion of seagrass habitats documented in [Deep shift: an introduced seagrass, *Halophila stipulacea*, expands nursery habitat for Caribbean juvenile fish into deeper waters].

The identification of knowledge gaps and the proposed roadmap for establishing *Ulva prolifera* as a model species for the marine bioeconomy are crucial steps toward broader implementation. This review effectively demonstrates that what was once viewed as a detrimental environmental event can be transformed into a valuable and sustainable resource. The development of thermostable ulvan lyase for efficient enzymatic processing is a key technological advancement, enabling the extraction of high-value bioactive polysaccharides and opening up new avenues for industrial applications. While scaling up these processes from laboratory to industrial levels will undoubtedly present challenges, the comprehensive approach outlined in the review provides a solid foundation for future research and development. The validation of these findings through longitudinal, empirical data will be essential in establishing the long-term viability and environmental sustainability of *Ulva prolifera* utilization.

Ultimately, this work serves as a powerful example of how a multidisciplinary, integrated approach can yield innovative solutions to pressing environmental challenges. The transformation of *Ulva prolifera* from a green tide disaster to a potential green resource represents a paradigm shift in our understanding and management of HABs. A key question moving forward is whether this model can be successfully replicated for other problematic HAB species across different geographic regions, and to what extent integrated data ecosystems, combining real-time monitoring with predictive modeling, will be crucial for achieving lasting success in the burgeoning marine bioeconomy.