The early days of the industry were dominated by research and development, trial and error, local product sales and a mussel extract used to help alleviate arthritis. By 1974, as the industry grew, there was a need for a formal organisation and the Marlborough Sounds Marine Farming Association was formed.
The name was changed to the New Zealand Marine Farming Association in 1986 to better reflect the growing importance of the industry.
In 2007, following the establishment of Aquaculture New Zealand Ltd, the New Zealand Marine Farming Association agreed to change its name to the Marine Farming Association, which reflects both on the Association’s heritage and regional interest.
