The Unit is structured around three core functions:

The Compliance Team coordinates all enforcement-related operations of WBRU to ensure compliance with the Conservation of Wild Birds Regulations (S.L.549.42), the Protection of Wild Rabbit Regulations (S.L.549.90), and other subsidiary legislation for which the Unit is responsible. This includes, amongst other, coordination with Police, Customs, AFM and other entities and NGOs; surveillance and patrols; inspections at points of entry and in private residences; input to prosecution processes and investigations; provision of expertise in relation to Court proceedings, coordination of certain aspects of licensing and compliance processes, administrative fines system, compilation of enforcement statistics and reports, administration of the stuffed birds registration system, liaison with foreign enforcement entities (e.g. Europol, IMPEL, Italian Corpo Forestale, etc), administration of hunter education and examination procedures, and other related duties.

The Special Initiatives and Customer Care Branch deals with the Unit’s main clients (circa 13,000), handles requests and complaints, acts as front office for one-stop-shop regulatory functions (both in Malta and through separate office in Gozo), disseminates educational material and regulatory information and other initiatives. This Branch achieved a major quality leap in regulatory awareness amongst the hunting and live-capturing community, which in turn translated into improved compliance with regulations.

The Policy Branch is responsible for providing input to the formulation of government plans, policies and regulations concerning conservation of wild birds. The Branch also administers licensing and other regulatory processes (e.g. general hunting, live-capturing licences, special licences for derogations, taxidermy licences, scientific bird ringing licences, falconry licences, research licences, etc), administration of licensing databases and telephonic (mobile) game reporting system, compilation of statistics and reports, liaison with EU and international bodies, participation in international policy fora, dealing with infringement procedures, coordination of funding for conservation projects, commissioning and implementing scientific studies and other related activities. This Branch implemented major regulatory reforms that brought about greatly increased protection for wild birds in Malta.