The multiple factors contributing to the crisis, which since the mid-1990s besets global fisheries, are presented along with key trends illustrating four manifestations of that crisis, i.e., (i) a declining world catch, (ii) increasing global fishing effort, (iii) declining catch per effort and profitability, and (iv) a three-way global expansion of fishing (geographic, bathymetric, taxonomic). The point is made that fisheries scientists and economists collectively know what is required to turn these trends around and to rebuild fish stocks, from which both humanity and marine life would greatly benefit. Socio-economic and political factors that prevent this turnaround in the majority of countries are briefly elaborated upon, along with what natural scientists can contribute to the debate on and the solutions to the global fisheries crisis.