Tides, currents and related field parameters at Thal, Maharashtra Coast, India, were studied to assess the environmental conditions for proper disposal of effluents from a large fertilizer factory. The tidal ranges being 1.6 and 3.9 m during neap and spring respectively, the tidal currents attained a maximum value of 1 m/s during spring and about 60 cm/s during neaps. The spatial variations were considerable, due to the presence of rock outcrops, tidal creeks and two islands. A composite picture of the flow pattern has been prepared for the three prominent seasons. The waters beyond Khanderi Island described a course roughly parallel to the shore, whereas shallower waters exhibited cross-shore tendencies and irregularities, rendering them unsuitable for systematic effluent disposal, as also the southern and middle regions due to limitations in dispersive processes