Turbidity is the measure of suspended solids in the water. When the water is clear, there is low turbidity; when the water is cloudy, there is high turbidity, which allows less light to penetrate through the water. Light is required for seabed grasses to flourish.
What causes high turbidity? Run-off from the land due to stormwater, shore-line erosion, excessive algal blooms, and pollution all contribute to high turbidity levels.