The Society actively encourages the establishment of local branches and promotes affiliation with national societies, organizations and institutions having similar objectives. Local branches provide opportunity for a country’s members to organize and become a louder voice in national fisheries issues.

The Society has branch societies in India, Taiwan and Japan; and the national societies of China and Malaysia are affiliated to the parent society. Between 2004 and 2012, the 8^th 9^th and the 10^th Councils visited many countries as part of its council meeting and these meetings are often held in conjunction with the activities of the branches.

Members working in specialized fields are encouraged to make use of the Society umbrella to form subject-oriented sections for increased communication and cooperation. The Fish Health Section of the Society and the Social Science Research Network are established sections of the Society.