Wetlands do face the tragedy of commons, as is evident from present quality and steep decline in their numbers. The prime reason for this state is mainly due to lack of coordination among many agencies involved in the management and appropriate legal measures to protect these ecosystems. As on today, Wetlands are not delineated under any specific administrative jurisdiction. Some wetlands are protected after the formulation of the Wildlife Protection Act. However, it is ineffective and most are in grave danger of extinction. Effective coordination between the different ministries, energy, industry, fisheries revenue, agriculture, transport and water resources, is essential for the protection of these ecosystems.

Prevailing laws are ineffective as far as the protection or conservation of aquatic ecosystems are concerned as most of them indirectly touch wetland protection (fragmented approach);

• The Indian Fisheries Act - 1857
• The Indian Forest Act - 1927
• Wildlife (Protection) Act - 1972
• Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act - 1974
• Territorial Water, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and other Marine Zones Act - 1976
• Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act - 1977
• Maritime Zone of India (Regulation and fishing by foreign vessels) Act - 1980
• Forest (Conservation) Act - 1980
• Environmental (Protection) Act - 1986
• Coastal Zone Regulation Notification - 1991
• Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act - 1991
• National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement on Environment and Development - 1992

India, inspite of being a signatory to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and the Convention of Biological Diversity, there is no significant development towards sustaining these ecosystems, either due to lack of coordination among agencies involved or lack of awareness of the values of wetlands among the policy makers and implementation agencies. The effective management of these wetlands requires a thorough appraisal of the existing laws, institutions and practices. The involvement of various people from different sectors is essential in the sustainable management of these wetlands.

Apart from government regulation, better monitoring mechanisms are needed to increase the knowledge of the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of wetland resources, their values and a better understanding of wetland dynamics. Management based on accurate knowledge and increased awareness of wetland issues involving all stakeholders and all components of ecosystem help in long term sustenance involving restoration and conservation. This would enhance the function and value of the system in terms of natural and socioeconomic factors to satisfy critical resource needs of the human population.