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Overexploitation refers to the harvesting of a natural resource at a rate faster than that resource can be replenished. This can occur with a variety of resources, including fish stocks, forests, water, and wildlife. When resources are overexploited, their populations or availability can decline significantly, sometimes to the point of extinction or irreversible depletion.

The causes of overexploitation are diverse and often interconnected. Economic pressures play a significant role, as industries may push for maximum extraction to increase profits. Technological advancements in harvesting methods can also contribute by making it easier to extract resources at unprecedented rates. Furthermore, increasing human populations and their associated demand for resources naturally place greater strain on natural systems. In some cases, overexploitation is driven by subsistence needs, where communities rely on local resources for survival.

The consequences of overexploitation are far-reaching. Ecological impacts include biodiversity loss, disruption of food webs, and habitat degradation. Economically, overexploitation can lead to the collapse of industries dependent on the overexploited resource, causing job losses and economic instability. Socially, it can lead to resource conflicts and displacement of communities. Sustainable management practices, such as setting quotas, establishing protected areas, and promoting responsible consumption, are crucial to prevent and mitigate overexploitation.