Influences of income inequality and socio-economic factors on fishing grounds footprint in India: Fourier augmented ARDL method

While numerous studies investigate the determinants of the ecological footprint, research specifically focusing on the fishing grounds footprint remains relatively scarce. This study investigates the short- and long-term linkages among fishing grounds footprint and key socio-economic factors, including income inequality, economic growth, energy consumption, trade openness, and urbanization, in India from 1971 to 2022. Utilizing the Fourier Augmented Autoregressive Distributed Lag (FAARDL) approach, we assess how these factors influence the sustainability of marine resources over time. Furthermore, the robustness of the study's findings is assessed using the fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) method, and a causality test is carried out. The findings reveal that income inequality and urbanization reduce the fishing grounds footprint, both in the short and long-run, suggesting that unequal access to resources and shifting consumption patterns in urban areas alleviate immediate pressure on marine ecosystems. In contrast, energy consumption and trade openness contribute to the degradation of fishing grounds, with energy use having a powerful impact on marine resource exploitation. To mitigate the growing pressure on India's marine ecosystems, policymakers should prioritize energy-efficient practices in the fishing industry, promote the adoption of renewable energy sources, and enforce stricter trade regulations to prevent overexploitation of marine resources. Additionally, efforts to reduce income inequality through inclusive policies can enhance equitable access to sustainable food sources, while minimizing ecological strain on fishing grounds.