Prince backs sustainable fishing

The Prince of Wales chatted with staff during his tour

The Prince of Wales has stressed his belief in the importance of protecting fish stocks during the second day of his visit to northern Lincolnshire.

The Prince was speaking after a tour of the Grimsby Coldwater Seafood factory.

He congratulated the companies backing sustainable approaches to fishing and said they were making an investment in a "healthy future for everyone".

The Prince earlier made an impromptu stop at a family fish restaurant in Cleethorpes to open their premises.

He was on his way through the town when he saw a sign in Boaters Beach Restaurant which read: "Please would you kindly cut our ribbon".

The Prince obliged and spent several minutes chatting with the family owners before resuming his journey to Grimsby.

Smart hats

Prince Charles was visiting the Coldwater factory for a meeting with major seafood buyers, including McDonalds and Marks & Spencer.

He donned protective clothing for a tour of the facility and congratulated staff on their work.

He said: "I am so impressed by what I've seen when going round, especially by all the smart bath hats."

The Prince went on to give a speech before unveiling a plaque to commemorate his visit.

He said: "Companies here today, including Coldwater, Brakes, Marks & Spencer and the Spirit Group are using the MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) to drive more sustainable approaches to fishing.

"In doing so, I believe they are making an investment not only in the future of their own businesses but in a healthy and sustainable future for us all and I do congratulate them."

The Prince believes fish stocks must be protected

The Prince also detailed his belief in the importance of sustainable fish stocks.

He said: "With the incredible power of 21st Century technology, it is inevitable that, sooner or later, in certain locations and at particular times, the wild resource is going to be overexploited.

"And when that happens, there is no guarantee that stocks will ever fully recover. The collapse of any fishery is inevitably an environmental, economic and social disaster all rolled into one.

"If we can't find ways of managing these wild resources effectively for the long term, we will all suffer."

Police said a large security operation was in place for the royal visit.

Humberside Police said they had plans in hand for months ensuring tight security and there was a strong police presence.