ABSTRACT. – Groundwater is a subject of rising social concern, especially in coastal zones where it is increasingly mobilized to satisfy water demands (essentially for agriculture and urban uses). Overexploitation of coastal aquifers may lead to permanent water quality degradation as a consequence of seawater intrusion. Policy measures have been undertaken in some countries either to avoid this threat or to solve the observed seawater intrusion. This article analyses, from an economic perspective, the different types of “policy instruments” taken in different empirical cases. It begins by the description of the theoretical framework detailing in particular the different elements entering in water management procedure (the resource, the agents and the regulator) and the different types of instruments that can in theory be implemented. Based on this theoretical framework, the different instruments mobilized in practice are presented. Finally, we conclude on the possible evolution of groundwater policy aimed to prevent and manage seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers.