Storm-generated shallow sea turbidity and its influence on spawning and nursery grounds of littoral fish

Wave action, turbidity-connected light availability and sediment relocation are among the most important factors forming nearshore benthic habitats. Based on long-term wave hindcasts (1966-2014) and empirical waves-turbidity relationships, hydrodynamically induced shallow sea turbidity component was reconstructed in the differently exposed Estonian coastal sections; possible influences on habitats, including spawning and nursery grounds of littoral fish were discussed. Although both wave and turbidity conditions have undergone some cyclic variations and marks of some violent storms can be found in coastal environment, it was not possible to associate any general shifts in the habitats to variations in long-term wind and wave climates.