Possible Clues:

• First-quarter lunar phenomenon
• A little current news not half fitting I would speculate, ultimately
• When high and low water levels are closest
• Need a tip off when there's little difference, in the main
• Ocean phenomenon (2 words)
• Teen paid badly — it's time for a small rise
• When there's the least difference between high and low sea water levels
• Smallest rise and fall of sea level
• Little movement at sea, waves painted white, ultimately
• Smallest range in movement of sea