Common pool resourcescommon pool resources Common pool resources are goods and services that are rival (they are diminished when exploited by someone) but are managed, or governed - to a greater or lesser degree - by a community, such as customary management of local fishery. Common pool resources, when well-managed are sustainable, however, if they are poorly managed, or over-exploited (they are rival), they can be degraded. are goods and services that are rival (they are diminished when exploited by someone) but are managed, or governed – to a greater or lesser degree – by a community, such as customary management of local fishery. Common pool resources, when well-managed are sustainable, however, if they are poorly managed, or over-exploited (they are rival), they can be degraded.