Universiti Malaysia Terengganu was formerly known as the Center for Fisheries and Marine Science of Universiti Putra Malaysia, located at MengabangTelipot, Kuala Terengganu. Previously it was a centre of the Fisheries and Marine Science programs to lecturers and students and allowed them to conduct their practical sessions and research projects. But on 1 February 2007, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu was formed as a full-fledged university.

Both universities are undertaking the establishment of a Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory.