The Fisheries activities in Arunachal Pradesh started as early as 1957-58 with a five year plan allocation of Rs.1.0 lakh under the Department of Agriculture. The Department of Fisheries started functioning independently w.e.f. 1st September 1980 by bifurcating from Agriculture department vide memo no.PD (B) 50/80 dated 30th August 1980, with the Deputy Director of Fisheries as Head of Office under the direct Administrative control of Development Commissioner, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh.

In the subsequent years, the activities of the department was expanded with the creation of 328 nos of technical and non-technical manpower for its smooth functioning in fisheries development activities covering entire districts. Today, the Fisheries activities in the State have increased manifolds and are significantly contributing to the State GDP, nutritional security and fulfilling its social objectives.