The Asian Fisheries Social Science Research Network (AFSSRN) was a long-term effort to build social science research capacity for fi sheries and marine resources in Southeast Asia. The history of the Network is reviewed. Several case studies of the impact of the AFSSRN on individual Network members and its infl uence on public policy are presented. Lessons learned and recommendations for capacity building efforts in fi sheries and marine resources research and policy analysis are discussed.