Abstract Since 2007, the coastal areas of Shandong have frequently experienced green tides caused by Enteromorpha prolifera (E.prolifera). Our study utilized long-term MODIS remote sensing data and multi-index decision fusion technology to analyze the distribution of E.prolifera in the South Yellow Sea from 2008 to 2022. This approach enabled us to detail the spatiotemporal distribution, including data on centroid movement paths and coverage areas. Further application of Moran's Index for spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed four distinct drift patterns of E.prolifera, stretching from the coast of Jiangsu Province to the Shandong Peninsula. These patterns are significantly influenced by the wind speed and direction in the region, with the maximum centroid drift speed dependent on the wind's magnitude. Before 2018, the coverage area and distribution range of E.prolifera showed an exponential expansion trend. This research provides essential spatiotemporal data for understanding the drift dynamics and ecological impact of E.prolifera in the region.