What is the fetch when referring to coasts?

Fetch, in coastal terminology, refers to the uninterrupted distance over water that wind can blow in a single direction, generating waves. The longer the fetch, the larger and more powerful the waves can become, as they have more time to build energy. Fetch is crucial in understanding wave dynamics and can significantly influence coastal erosion and sediment transport. It varies with wind conditions and geographical features, impacting local marine environments and coastal management strategies.