Degradation in Ulva lacinulata and reproduction in Ulva compressa were observed and described for four weeks. The natural occurrence of protoplasts in both species was found. Protoplast yields were calculated each week for several weeks. At the beginning of the experiment, heterogeneity of the thallus was visible under the microscope. The diameter of the cells in the thalli that later became protoplasts were measured. A germination experiment was performed after protoplasts were collected. Germination rates were calculated based on the number of individuals visible by the naked eye at the end of the experiment. 2 % (U. lacinulata) and 4 % (U. compressa) of protoplasts germinated into two morphologies: unattached germlings and unattached discs. Because discs released gametes early in their development, their diameter was measured to estimate the gametes yields produced at the end of the experiment. During degradation of U. lacinulata, we found an increase in biomass after the first two weeks of the experiment. Fresh weight measurements were taken each week and relative growth rates were calculated. Our results provide the first evidence of the natural production of protoplasts in Ulva spp. and estimate that higher seeding yields can be obtained by natural protoplast production than direct gametogenesis.