Nitrate reductase (NR) is activated by nitrogen sources (${NO_3}^-$ and ${NH_4}^+$) and irradiance. This study investigated the effects of these factors on the NR activity of Ulva pertusa (Chlorophyta) and Ecklonia cava (Phaeophyta). In addition, the ammonium (${NH_4}^+$) and nitrate (${NO_3}^-$) uptake rates of the two species were examined. U. pertusa took up most of the ${NO_3}^-$ and ${NH_4}^+$ in the medium during a 3hour incubation, while E. cava had a relatively high uptake rate after 3 hours. The NR activities of the two species were affected by the nitrogen source and irradiance and were highest when they were exposed to ${NO_3}^-$-rich medium and high irradiance. However, the patterns of NR activity differed between the two species. In ${NO_3}^-$-rich medium and high irradiance, U. pertusa achieved the highest NR activity ($2.01{pm}0.07;{mu}mol$ ${NO_2}^-$ $g^{-1}$ DW $h^{-1}$) within the first 3 hours and then this activity decreased drastically. By contrast, the NR activity of E. cava ($0.36{pm}0.04;{mu}mol$ ${NO_2}^-$ $g^{-1}$ DW $h^{-1}$) was constant for 12 hours. When exposed to darkness, the NR activity of U. pertusa decreased dramatically, while that of E. cava increased gradually for 12 hours. Therefore, E. cava is able to maintain NR activity during the dark because of its adequate carbohydrate reserves and substrate.