About the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA)

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority was established on the 1st of January 2007. The SFPA is independent in the exercise of its functions, which are below.

The principal functions of the Authority are:

1. To secure efficient and effective enforcement of sea-fisheries law and food safety law
2. To promote compliance with & 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 sectors on sea-fisheries law and food safety law and relevant matters within the remit of the Authority, through the Consultative Committee established under section 48 of the above Act 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 and 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, and
9. To engage in any other activities relating to the functions of the Authority as may be approved of by the Minister.