Guidelines for coastal water quality (G.N. No. 620 of 1999).

These Guidelines set out water quality requirements for coastal waters which are classified by these Guidelines into various categories. Waters are classified for conservation of the coral community, conservation of natural areas such as mangroves, wildlife habitats, marine spawning and nursing grounds, for the propagation of marine life such as fish, crabs, shrimps, the culture of shellfish and molluscs, fisheries and waters used for the discharge of effluent from industrial and agricultural activities. The standards mainly concern foreign substances to water and set maximum limits.