The Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006, provided for the establishment of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). This independent authority was established on January 1st 2007. The principal functions of the Authority as set down in the Act are:
1. To secure efficient and effective enforcement of sea-fisheries law and seafood safety law.
2. To promote compliance with and deter contraventions of sea-fisheries law and food safety law.
3. To detect contraventions of sea-fisheries law and food safety law.
4. To provide information to the sea-fisheries and seafood safety sectors on sea-fisheries law and food safety law and relevant matters within the remit of the Authority, through the Consultative Committee, or by any other means it considers appropriate.
5. To advise the Minister in relation to policy on effective implementation of sea-fisheries law and food safety law.
6. To provide assistance and information to the Minister in relation to the remit of the Authority.
7. To collect and report data in relation to sea-fisheries and food safety as required by the Minister under Community law.
8. To represent or assist in the representation of the State at national, Community and international fora as requested by the Minister.
9. To engage in any other activities relating to the functions of the Authority as may be approved of by the Minister.
The Act provides that the Authority shall consist of at least one but not more than three members. The person who held, immediately before the establishment day, the position of Seafood Control manager in the Department was deemed to be appointed a member. Other than as set out above, a member of the Authority is appointed by the Minister.