A most critical problem today is an ecological one of relating human society harmoniously to its natural environment. The awareness of environmental problems has created a favorable climate for an intellectual orientation relevant to contemporary problems. Translating public opinion and legislation into long-range planning and rational policy for environmental resources is no simple task; an understanding of ecological principles, economic realities, and governmental jurisdictions and programs is needed. The present condition of our inshore seas, estuaries, and coastal-zones demonstrates how many immediately inadverse decisions prove damaging over the long run. The principles of general ecology, largely derived from studies of natural ecosystems in which the influences of man are minimal, can provide helpful insights into managing the complex natural and human ecosystems of the coastal land-water interface. The concepts of carrying capacity, limiting factors, productivity, and homeostasis lead to a more complete understanding of pollution. Pollution can be defined as a residual, a left over from production and consumption activities. Residuals management becomes a matter of social choice, a process by which the underpriced assimilative capacity of the environment is treated as an input into social accounting and is priced accordingly. The ability of governments to provide effective management for environmental quality will depend upon the implementation of rationally determined development plans based on an understanding of residuals management. The natural resource ecosystems of our coastal areas can provide man with increased benefits in the form of visual amenities, recreational benefits, and ecosystem homeostasis. Problems of management are critical and increasing. The opportunity exists to manage these important ecosystems with intelligence rather than by default.