The River Tweed Commission are charged under the Tweed Fisheries Acts of 1858, 1859 and 1969 with the general preservation and increase of salmon, sea trout and other freshwater fish in the River Tweed and its tributaries, and in particular with the regulation of fisheries, the removal of nuisances and obstructions and the prevention of illegal fishing. The area of jurisdiction extends 5 miles out to sea and includes the coastline between Cockburnspath and Holy Island. Powers are granted to the Commission by these and other Acts of Parliament to help fulfil these duties.
The River Tweed Commission is the only Fishery Board in Scotland with multi-species remit, covering all freshwater fish and its unique management structure reflects these broader responsibilities. The Governing body of the Commission is the Council which consists of forty three members appointed by Local Authorities (twenty three from local Angling Clubs and twenty from independents), and thirty eight members elected by the proprietors of the river. The Council levies an Annual assessment on the owners of all salmon fisheries, which is used to fund the management, conservation and protection of fish and fisheries throughout the catchment.