The College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology traces its roots to the Pias-Gaang Community High School which became the Currimao School of Fisheries in 1971 by virtue of Republic Act No. 4282. In the following year, a 2 ½ year course, Associate in Fishery Education, was offered in addition to the secondary curriculum.

On June 16, 1976, the late former President Ferdinand E. Marcos issued Presidential Decree No. 945 integrating the School of Fisheries, together with the Dingras National Agricultural School in Dingras, Ilocos Norte, and the Ilocos Norte School of Craftsmen (INSC) in Paoay, Ilocos Norte to the Mariano Marcos Memorial State College of Science and Technology (MMMCST) to attain unification of programs and policies for regional development. The school began to offer the four-year Bachelor of Science in Fisheries, with inland fisheries, marine fisheries, and fish processing as major fields of specialization.

A year-and-a-half later, on January 6, 1978, the MMMCST and the Northern Luzon State College in Laoag City were merged to become the Mariano Marcos State University by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 1279. From 1978 onwards, the school has metamorphosed into a lead institution in fisheries, particularly in Northern Luzon.

With the growing concern for suitable development and rational utilization, management, and conservation of fisheries and aquatic resources, the college offered in June 1998 the four-year Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology.

The MMSU-College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology is an institution of higher learning that aims to provide quality instruction in the fields of fisheries and aquatic sciences.

The College also undertakes research, extension, and production activities to support the thrusts of the University.

1. Provide quality education in fisheries and aquatic sciences of international standards, thereby producing world-class manpower;
2. Conduct relevant researches in fisheries and aquatic sciences that are responsive to peoples’ need and dynamic environment;
3. Engage in extension services through technology transfer, industry linkages or consortia with government and non-government organizations underscoring rational and sustainable development of fishery and aquatic resources in the region;
4. Implement income-generating projects that will showcase the generated technologies in fisheries and aquatic sciences while providing income to the university; and
5. Establish linkages with other institutions to monitor local needs; with research and development agencies to keep abreast with scientific advances; and with industry to match manpower needs.