North Atlantic Expansion Announcement

[Jamie]

​

“It could cause some controversy… but there’s nothing stopping us.”

“It gives us the opportunity to expand. Any diplomatic fallout will be handled at government level. We’ll leave it there,” Alex, CEO of North Atlantic Fishing Company, said as he brought the board meeting to a close.

The decision was unanimous. A move that would almost certainly strain relations between the United Kingdom and France had just been set in motion.

Over the following weeks, preparations were carried out in full view of the public. North Atlantic Fishing Company began an aggressive hiring drive, expanded its shore-side infrastructure, and acquired a number of additional trawlers. The expansion was widely reported in the national press, praised for its potential to create jobs and boost the coastal economy. Few questioned the true purpose behind the growth.

Only when the final pieces were in place did the intent become clear.

The company issued a formal statement:

"North Atlantic Fishing Company confirms that, following extensive investment in fleet capacity and coastal infrastructure, it will be expanding its commercial fishing operations into additional productive waters within the North-East Atlantic region, including areas within the French Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Bruno .

The Company maintains that all vessels will operate in accordance with applicable international law. This expansion is intended to ensure long-term supply stability, protect jobs within the UK fishing sector, and meet growing demand from domestic and international markets. We recognise that this development may attract political attention; however, we remain confident that existing diplomatic and regulatory frameworks are sufficient to manage any issues that may arise."

Within minutes of the announcement, and moving quickly to establish presence before any political response could be coordinated, more than fifteen trawlers crossed into the French Exclusive Economic Zone and began operations. Any movements were made following COLREGs and other provisions to ensure safety at sea, but it was an aggressive form of trawling to maximise benefit for what could be a very short term move.

 

[Bruno]

Conversations are kept private and secret.

Jamie

The morning light filtered through the tall windows of the Élysée’s Salle des Conseils, casting long shadows over the polished mahogany table. President Moreau stood at the head, his expression unreadable as he listened to the reports. The room was filled with the quiet rustle of papers and the occasional tap of a pen. Minister Laurent, the Chief of the Navy, and the Director of Maritime Affairs were present, their faces grim.

“At least, Fifteen trawlers,” the Chief of the Navy began, his voice steady. “North Atlantic Fishing Company, all flying the UK flag. They crossed into our EEZ at dawn, operating as if they owned the waters. No prior notice, no request for access, just an announcement after the fact, as if it were a fait accompli.”

President Moreau’s fingers drummed once against the table. “And the British government?”
“No response yet, Monsieur le Président,” Minister Laurent replied. “But their silence speaks volumes. The company’s statement claims they are operating ‘in accordance with applicable international law.’” He allowed himself a dry smile. “A creative interpretation of UNCLOS, to say the least.”

The President turned to the Director of Maritime Affairs. “Remind us of our rights under UNCLOS.”
The Director cleared his throat. “Under Article 56, France has sovereign rights to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage the natural resources within our EEZ. Article 62 allows us to determine the allowable catch, license foreign vessels, and impose conditions on their operations. And Article 73 permits us to take measures to ensure compliance, including boarding and inspecting vessels suspected of violations.”
Moreau nodded. “Then we are not without recourse.” He looked around the table. “France will not tolerate this. Not as a matter of pride, but as a matter of law. We will respond in phases—firm, measured, and escalatory.”
He turned to the Chief of the Navy. “The Coast Guard will deploy to the EEZ. I want every NAFC vessel monitored, intercepted, and inspected. Issue warnings, impose fines, and confiscate catches if necessary. But no violence. We will not give them the satisfaction of a confrontation they can exploit.”
To Minister Laurent, he said, “Prepare a public statement. Make it clear: this is a violation of our sovereignty, and we expect the UK to act. But leave room for them to save face—for now.”
Finally, he addressed the room. “This is not just about fishing. It is about the rule of law at sea. If we do not act, others will follow. And that, we cannot allow.”

Public Statement from the Élysée
OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUÉ
Palais de l’Élysée​

The French Republic notes with grave concern the unauthorized entry of vessels operated by the North Atlantic Fishing Company into the French Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This action constitutes a clear violation of the Convention on the Law of the Sea, particularly Articles 56 and 62, which affirm France’s sovereign rights to regulate and manage the natural resources within its EEZ.

France demands the immediate withdrawal of all North Atlantic Fishing Company vessels from its EEZ. The United Kingdom, as the flag state of these vessels, bears responsibility for ensuring compliance with international law. We expect the UK government to take swift and decisive action to rectify this situation.

In the meantime, the French Republic will take all necessary measures to uphold its rights and protect its interests. This includes the deployment of Coast Guard patrols to monitor and enforce compliance within our waters. Any vessel found to be in violation of French regulations will be subject to fines, inspections, and potential confiscation of catches.

France remains open to constructive dialogue on long-term fishing arrangements, but such discussions can only proceed once this illegal activity has ceased and our sovereignty has been respected.
The French Republic reaffirms its commitment to the rule of law at sea and will not tolerate actions that undermine the stability and order of our maritime domains.


Military Operations below are secret and classified
Brest Naval Base (All vessels are fully armed, fueled and crewed)

The air at the Brest Naval Base was thick with the scent of salt and diesel. Captain Leclair stood on the deck of the Horizon-class Frigate Cassard, his eyes scanning the horizon. Around him, the crew moved with purpose, preparing for the mission ahead. The order had come down from Paris: intercept, inspect, and deter.
In the operations room, a map of the French EEZ was spread across the table, red pins marking the positions of the NAFC trawlers. Lieutenant Moreau, no relation to the President, pointed to a cluster of pins near the edge of the zone. “They’re here, here, and here. Fifteen vessels, all operating just inside our waters. They’re testing us.”
Captain Leclair nodded. “Then we’ll show them the cost of that test.” He turned to his executive officer. “Signal the PSM–class Coastal Patrol Vessel Marne and Somme. They’ll take the northern sector. We will cover the south. I want every NAFC vessel hailed, boarded if necessary, and fined. If they resist, we document it. If they comply, we let them go with a warning, this time.”
A young ensign raised his hand. “Sir, what if they don’t stop?”
Leclair’s voice was steady. “Then we escalate. Confiscate their catches, impound their gear, and make sure they know this isn’t a game. But no force unless they initiate it. We’re not giving Whitehall a propaganda victory.”
The Lieutenant nodded. “And the British?”
“Let them watch,” Leclair replied. “Let them see what happens when you ignore the law. And if London has a problem with it, they can take it up with the Élysée.”

The crew sprang into action. Radios crackled to life, engines roared, and the Horizon set sail, its hull cutting through the waves as it headed toward the first of the NAFC trawlers. The message was clear: France’s waters were not open for exploitation.