By 1974, as the industry grew, there was a need for some formal organisation and the Marlborough Sounds Marine Farming Association was formed. The name was changed to the NZMFA 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.

In 2004 the NZMFA released a book on a history of mussel farming in New Zealand. This book focus's on the personalities and vessels involved in the first quarter century of the industry's growth. The book 'Lines in the Water' retails for $59.95. The book is 320 pages, hard cover, with more than 400 colour photographs. The book is available from The Marine Farming Association Inc, PO Box 86, Blenheim. Ph: 03 578 5044, Fax: 03 578 5046, Email: info@marinefarming.co.nz  and from all good bookshops.