- Jan 6, 2018
- 14,018
“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.
