The Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities (EUA) operates as a specialized regional service of the Ministry of Culture, with jurisdiction across the entire Greek territory. The Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities manages the Accessible Underwater Archaeological Sites of Alonissos and Western Pagasetic.

Greek legislation (Law 4858/2021) safeguards underwater cultural heritage, designating as monuments all ship and aircraft wrecks over 50 years old, along with any movable artifacts.

The Ephorate’s key activities include the identification, research, and protection of underwater antiquities, the conservation of submerged artifacts, the organization of underwater archaeology museums, the supervision of underwater research institutes, oceanographic foundations, and expeditions, the regulation of maritime and underwater activities that may pose risks to antiquities, the designation and management of underwater archaeological sites as accessible locations for visitors.