Overexploitation
![Atlantic cod stocks were severely overexploited in the 1970s and 1980s, leading to their abrupt collapse in 1992.[1]](/Images/godic/202501/31/Surexploitation_morue_surpêcheEn0449.jpg")
![When the giant flightless birds called moa were overexploited to the point of extinction,[4] the giant Haast's eagle that preyed on them also became extinct[5]](/Images/godic/202501/31/Giant_Haasts_eagle_attacking_New_Zealand_moa0449.jpg")
![Cows on Selsley Common. The tragedy of the commons is a useful parable for understanding how overexploitation can occur](/Images/godic/202501/31/Cows_on_Selsley_Common_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1924720449.jpg")
![The Atlantic bluefin tuna is currently seriously overexploited.
Scientists say 7,500 tons annually is the sustainable limit, yet the fishing industry continue to harvest 60,000 tons.](/Images/godic/202501/31/Bluefin-big0449.jpg")
Overexploitation, also called overharvesting, refers to harvesting a renewable resource to the point of diminishing returns. Sustained overexploitation can lead to the destruction of the resource. The term applies to natural resources such as: wild medicinal plants, grazing pastures, game animals, fish stocks, forests, and water aquifers.