Court bans activist from Mowi Scotland’s fish farms

Anti-fish farming activist Don Staniford has been permanently barred by a court from approaching within 15 metres of Mowi’s salmon farms in Scotland – but he has indicated he is appealing against the decision.

Sheriff Andrew Berry at the Sheriffdom of North Strathclyde at Oban granted the order of interdict, which prevents Staniford, from:

• boarding, entering onto, physically occupying, attaching himself to, attaching vessels to or approaching within 15 metres of all structures, docks, walkways, buildings, floats or pens of Mowi’s salmon aquaculture farms;
• flying unmanned aircraft, also known as drones, above Mowi’s salmon aquaculture farms; and
• instructing, procuring, encouraging or facilitating others to so act, and for an extended interdict ad interim.

Don Staniford, who founded Scottish Salmon Watch (now rebranded as Scamon Scotland) to campaign for the end of salmon farming in Scotland, has for some years carried out covert filming operations to highlight what he regards as mistreatment of the fish and environmental damage.

Mowi had long argued that Staniford’s actions risked potential harm to himself, his colleagues and the welfare of the fish. Today, the company said: “Mowi is pleased that the Scottish courts have granted the company’s request for a permanent interdict (order) against an individual who, despite repeated requests not to do so, had continued to put himself and the company’s employees and animals at risk.”

Earlier, speaking regarding the judgement, Mowi Scotland COO Ben Hadfield says: “While our company will listen to and engage with people who may be critical of our business, we will not stand by and accept individuals harassing and intimidating our employees at their workplace. We had sought this interdict to protect the safety and wellbeing of our employees, our fish, Mr Staniford and his associates, and we are pleased that the court has agreed with Mowi’s position.”

Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, Staniford said he had already lodged an appeal against the court’s decision.

Meanwhile, Scottish Sea Farms – which had also written to Don Staniford over a long period of team to warn him to stop trespassing on the company’s sites – is believed to be preparing to seek its own interdict against him.

Scottish Sea Farms’ Head of Health & Safety Gerry McCormick said: “Unauthorised visits to our places of work, without understanding the strict health, safety, and biosecurity protocols in place, put lives at risk – that’s no overstatement.

“So, whilst we understand and respect an individual’s right to protest, we simply cannot stand by silently while someone puts their own life, and those of our team and fish stocks, in danger.

“Having tried repeatedly over recent years to convey the potential risks and dangers, but having had this advice ignored, we are left with no other option than to seek legal intervention in order to help keep everyone free from harm.”