Flowing Together: Public Awareness and Stakeholder Synergy for Sustainable Aquatic Pollution Governance

Aquatic pollution poses a growing threat to ecosystem health, food security, and livelihoods, particularly in regions dependent on fisheries and water-based livelihoods. This chapter examines the multifaceted dimensions of aquatic pollution and highlights the critical role of public awareness and stakeholder synergy in achieving sustainable pollution governance. It synthesizes scientific evidence on pollution sources, pathways, and impacts on fisheries and food systems, while integrating economic and behavioural perspectives on awareness-driven action. The chapter further explores stakeholder engagement frameworks, incentive-based policy instruments, and community-led initiatives that link environmental protection with economic co-benefits. Drawing on global and Indian case examples, it demonstrates how science–policy–economics integration can strengthen water governance. The chapter concludes with a multidimensional strategy that emphasizes awareness, economic literacy, inclusive governance, and coordinated stakeholder action as essential pathways for long-term mitigation of aquatic pollution and sustainable resource management.