India’s coastal ecosystem is diverse, dynamic, productive and rich in biodiversity. It is also fragile and quite often under pressure from both anthropogenic activities and changing natural processes, thereby impacting natural habitats. This chapter discusses important coastal ecosystems found in India. Besides, explaining coastal regulation zones and island protection zones, this chapter provides an overview of the characteristics of coastal ecosystems, mainly related to agriculture for all the coastal states, union territories and the islands of Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep. Regular monitoring of coastal zones is necessary. Moreover, preparation of a suitable coastal zone management plan and implementation of regulations in the coastal zone require spatial information on the coastal land use and land forms along with high tide and low tide lines, the inventory and status of coastal habitats and information on coastal sensitive areas. A perspective plan is necessary for sustainable development of the coastal areas.