New Delhi, Nov 7 (IANS): The global certification for Kerala's Ashtamudi estuary for sustainable fishing shows that development and environment protection can go hand-in-hand, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said Friday.

Ashtamudi estuary became the first fishery in the country to get the certification of the global body Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for sustainable fishing.

The certification is much valued due to increasing awareness of sustainable fishing, particularly in Europe.

Javadekar told reporters here that the certification showcases to the world that development and environment protection can go hand-in-hand and participatory approach at a local level in managing biodiversity is an important aspect of it.

He added this achievement also gives scope to other fisheries in India to work towards MSC certification, which would enhance conservation and sustainability of the resource while providing greater economic returns.

The MSC is an international non-profit organisation set up to help transform the seafood market to a sustainable basis.

The MSC runs the only certification and eco-labelling programme for wild-capture fisheries. Ashtamudi short neck clam fishery is only the third fishery in Asia to have received the recognition.