Building Bridges for International Engagement

International collaboration provides unique opportunities to learn about fisheries research and management in other locations, create linkages between different areas, and thus enhance understanding of the factors impacting fisheries production on a global level. When beginning to engage in the international arena, one may encounter difficulties with initiating the needed contacts and developing the partnerships needed for success. Additionally, it may not always be possible to work “face-to-face”, which can add to difficulties in creating and maintaining relationships.  Through perseverance, communication, and flexibility, however, it is possible to create productive working relationships, as shown in our work on the Mekong River. Working as part of an international team also exposes you to new perspectives on fisheries research and management where all parties engage, share, and learn together. We provide anecdotes of our successes and challenges in building meaningful collaborations with international partners and strategies for enhancing sustainability global inland fisheries.