Fish processing company takes legal action against Scottish environmental activist
Again and again, environmental activists are confronted with legal intimidation. Don Staniford, founder of $camon $cotland (formerly Scottish Salmon Watch), is a prime example. Don devotes his time and energy to exposing abuses in the Scottish salmon farming industry. His videos, blogs and infographic shave informed press reports, and were used in the Netflix documentary Seaspiracy. Don tirelessly campaigns for animal welfare and exposes breaches of hygiene and health standards on salmon farms.
In doing so, Don Staniford's work is met with considerable resistance from MOWI (formerly Marine Harvest), one of the world's largest fish processing companies. Since 2017, MOWI has sent Don several emails demanding that he remove his videos and blogs about the company's salmon farms within 48 hours or risk legal action. Despite the pressure and threats from MOWI, Don steadfastly refused to remove the material he had created. He remained true to his convictions and continued his fight for transparency and accountability.
Don Staniford's determination finally led MOWI to obtain an injunction against him in the Scottish courts in September 2021. This prohibits him from approaching any MOWI-owned vessel or structure within 15 metres, flying drones within 50 metres of fish farms and harassing employees. Although Don now faces legal obstacles, he remains determined to stand up for justice. The legal process is currently underway and Don firmly intends to fight to the end to hold those responsible in the salmon farming industry to account.
Don Staniford's case highlights the importance of freedom of expression for environmental activists. By exposing abuses in the salmon farming industry and holding the industry to account, he is standing up for the protection of the environment and animal welfare. The challenges he faces also show how companies can try to silence critics.
Don has supplied video testimony on his situation for the Coalition Against SLAPPs in Europe: