Analysing how plants in coastal wetlands respond to varying tidal regimes throughout their life cycles

Important to conserve plant species in coastal wetlands throughout their life cycle. All life stages in these habitats are exposed to varying tidal cycles. It is necessary to investigate all life stages as to how they respond to varying tidal regimes. We examine three wetlands containing populations of an endangered halophyte species, each subjected to different tidal regimes: (1). wetlands completely closed to tidal cycles; (2). wetlands directly exposed to tidal cycles (3). wetlands exposed to a partially closed tidal regime. Our results showed that the most threatened stage varied between wetlands subjected to these varying tidal regimes. We hypothesis that populations of this species have adapted to these different tidal regimes. Such information is useful in developing management options for coastal wetlands and modifying future barriers restricting tidal flushing. [Display omitted] •Life cycle analysis to improve coastal wetlands conservation.•How differing tidal regimes affect life stages of threatened wetland plant species.•How these species respond to differing tidal regimes.•Controlling tidal creeks facilitates conservation of coastal wetlands.