The concept of Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM) is being promoted extensively in developed countries to ensure the sustainable development of the coastal areas, rational utilisation of marine resources and proper management of marine environment to prevent its degradation from man-made activities like pollution. Adoption of such a concept is also recommended by the Earth Summit, 1992. Many countries like USA, UK have adopted the concept in the past and found fruitful results in improving the quality of coastal and marine environment. To implement the ICMAM System in our country a new programme is formulated which includes determination of use classification of coastal and marine areas through Central and State Pollution Control Boards and NGOs; development of GIS based information system for critical habitats in the coastal marine areas in India; establishment of data base on marine biodiversity; preparation of model integrated coastal and marine area management plans; determination of waste accumulation capacity and ecological modelling of selected coastal areas; and development of guidelines for EIA studies for marine, coastal and developmental activities and capacity building for preparation of ICMAM plans by all coastal States through adequate facilities and training programmes. Assistance from World Bank has also been received to implement some of the above projects under this programme.