The position was established in 1977 during the
Muldoon government. Previously, responsibility for fisheries was exercised by the
Minister of Marine until 1972 and by the
Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries until 1977. For a brief period from 2010 to 2011, the portfolio was known as Fisheries and Aquaculture. From 2011 until 2017, it was combined with related portfolios into the
Minister for Primary Industries. The title change to Minister for Oceans and Fisheries in 2020 was intended to balance commercial and environmental issues. Responsibility for oceans policy was previously in the remit of the
Minister of Conservation. ==List of ministers==