Our History & Functions

SFPA History & Functions

The SFPA was established in 2007 under the provisions of the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 and we operate under the aegis of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Our functions are to:

• Secure efficient and effective enforcement of sea-fisheries law and seafood safety law
• Promote compliance with and deter contraventions of sea-fisheries law and food safety law
• Detect contraventions of sea-fisheries law and food safety law
• 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 we consider appropriate
• Advise the Minister in relation to policy on the effective implementation of sea-fisheries law and food safety law
• Provide assistance and information to the Minister in relation to the remit of the Authority
• Collect and report data in relation to sea-fisheries and food safety as required by the Minister and under community law
• Represent or assist in the representation of the State at national, community and international fora as requested by the Minister
• Engage in any other activities relating to the functions of the Authority as may be approved of by the Minister