The Federation is made up of  37 volunteers from 4 associations that go by the name of Panier de la Mer. A further two associations are currently being set up.

The Federation strives to meet four priority objectives:

1. to combat fish wastage by recovering fish that fail to sell at auction: these are then processed, frozen and packaged
2. to help improve sanitary conditions among disadvantaged populations by redistributing fish through charitable organizations providing food relief
3. to employ people on re-integration programmes to prepare them to return to the job market
4. to support each employee, bring them out of their exclusion and resolve the issues preventing them from finding a job 

Recognized for its work in the field of health, France's General Directorate for Social Services (DGAS) formalized a partnership with the Federation in 2006 under the National Health and Nutrition Plan. 

Furthermore, the Carrefour International Foundation supports Paniers de la Mer by providing financial sponsorship and access to expertise.  The financial sponsorship translates as support through investment to help increase and diversify production (purchase of premises and equipment, technical services), and to help develop the organization from a federative point of view (creation of an accounts department, paying the salary of a coordinator).

The expertise relates to skills within the Carrefour Group, ie supply logistics and distribution.  Also, the Carrefour International Foundation proposes introducing orientation courses for Panier de la Mer employees in the Fish section at Carrefour hypermarkets.