Tropical tidal wetlands are some of the most productive ecosystems on the planet. Yet, their values and resilience are threatened by anthropogenic activities and climate change. Paradoxically, our understanding of tidal wetlands functionality is principally conceptual, which precludes effective restoration and management of tropical seascapes. A quantitative understanding of tidal wetland hydrology such as hydroperiod (duration, depth, and frequency of inundation) is notably lacking. This represents a critical knowledge gap as hydrology is a key driver of seascape connectivity, productivity, and resilience. Therefore, developing accessible models of tidal wetland hydrological dynamics is urgently needed. Here, we present a high-resolution two-dimensional model of tidal dynamics in a tropical seascape using a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle)-derived DEM (Digital Elevation Model) and photogrammetry. The effects of tidal dynamics on wetland vegetation distribution and on the role of tropical wetlands as exporters of trophic subsidies are then briefly explored. Together, this research illustrates some of the drivers of tropical seascape connectivity and highlights the importance of embracing hydrology and ecology to improve tropical seascapes management and restoration, while straightening resilience at the wetland and seascape scales.

Primary Presenter: Cecile Vulliet, James Cool University (cecile.vulliet@my.jcu.edu.au)

Authors:

Cecile Vulliet, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba, Townsville, QLD, 4814/TropWATER, Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba, Townsville, QLD, 4814   (cecile.vulliet@my.jcu.edu.au)

Jack Koci, Tropwater, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba, Townsville, QLD, 4814/ College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba, Townsville, QLD, 4814/   (jack.koci1@jcu.edu.au)

Ben Jarihani, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba, Townsville, QLD, 4814/ University of the Sunshine Coast, School of Science Technology and Engineering, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Australia  (ben.jarihani@jcu.edu.au)

Nathan Waltham, TropWATER, Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba, Townsville, QLD, 4814 / College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba, Townsville, QLD, 4814  (nathan.waltham@jcu.edu.au)

Marcus Sheaves, TropWATER, Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba, Townsville, QLD, 4814 / College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Bebegu Yumba, Townsville, QLD, 4814  (marcus.sheaves@jcu.edu.au)