This habitat type includes shallow bays and coves that are fairly well protected from waves. They are distinguished from the estuaries (1130) by a much smaller inflow of fresh water. The bottom of the bays is usually soft, covered with sand or clay, and mostly with rich vegetation. Due to the diverse benthic life, many different species of birds find food in such bays.
Wide shallow bays can be found primarily on the coast of Western Estonia (Haapsalu Bay, Väike Strait, small bays on the southern coast of Saaremaa island, etc.).
Habitat group
Coastal habitats
Habitat status
Natura 2000 habitat