The river Aghanashini originates from Sirsi taluk of Uttara Kannada district and joins the sea in Aghanashini village of Kumta taluk in Uttara Kannada district. Aghanashini is a free-flowing river. It runs through different villages. The Aghanashini estuary covering an area of 36 square kilometers provides a source of livelihood to the people living in this area. The Plastic waste gets piled up from the origin of the river, flows along 121 km long stretch, and ultimately reaches the Aghanashini estuary. Plastic wastes are brought to the river banks by tides and eventually enter the terrestrial ecosystem causing a negative impact on the species in the estuary and the terrestrial environment, as well as the humans who live in the area. The flow of plastic can have an impact on both livelihood and the economy. Regulations are required since the Aghanashini estuary will shortly be designated as a Ramsar protection site. In this study, we estimated the amount of plastic waste in the banks of the estuary and suggested regulatory measures. This work serves the present need and acts as a link between local population and policymakers.