The reserve's fantastic diversity and variety of uses made both locals and visitors alike realise the need for a more formal marine conservation strategy. Working together the reserve was formed in 1984 and obtained official charitable status (No. SCO18593). Currently interested individuals and organisations make up the Management Committee who are responsible for the running of the reserve.

The aims of the reserve are to conserve the biodiversity of the coastal waters, to raise awareness of the marine environment through education and to promote responsible recreational use alongside a sustainable fishery to the mutual benefit of all. A Marine Ranger is employed to achieve these aims, and is responsible for all activities, administration, survey work, interpretation and, importantly, liaison with the locals, user groups and visitors.

The St Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve is a charity and obtains all its funding from grants and donations. The National Trust for Scotland donate all administration costs and line manage the Marine Ranger. Scottish Natural Heritage and The Crown Estate both provide grants towards the core funding of the reserve and other current funders are: Transco, the D�Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, The Chrichton Trust and The Fishmonger�s Trust.