Veteran salmon farming critic Don Staniford signals shift in activism strategy.
Don Staniford, one of the salmon farming industry’s most vocal and controversial critics, has announced he is stepping back from frontline activism after 25 years. In a statement posted on social media, Staniford indicated he plans to adopt a more “strategic and targeted approach” to his campaigning, moving away from public-facing activities such as covert surveillance and high-profile legal battles.
“I feel the time is right to pull back from front-line campaigning,” Staniford wrote. “I’ll still be doing my bit to expose the welfare nightmare and environmental pariah that is salmon farming, but I’ll be working more and more in the shadows.”
Staniford deactivated several of his websites and archived his last blog post but suggested he may return to activism in the future. “I reserve the right to come out of ‘retirement,’” he said, acknowledging a mix of exhaustion and unresolved goals after decades of challenging the aquaculture sector.
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A Polarizing Figure
Staniford’s campaigns have made him a divisive figure in the industry. Known for his uncompromising style and sharp criticism of companies he refers to as the “$almafia,” Staniford has faced numerous legal challenges. These include high-profile cases involving defamation and injunctions filed by salmon farming giants.
In his post, Staniford hinted at the toll these battles have taken. “Maybe I’ve been slapped around the law courts once too many times? Or perhaps the $almafia’s lawyers have kick-started me into a never-ending legal battle?” he wrote, reflecting on his decision to scale back.
However, he remains critical of what he calls the “zombie salmon farmers” and the industry’s environmental and welfare practices. Staniford indicated that his focus would shift to more behind-the-scenes work and hinted at the possibility of writing a book on his experiences.
A New Approach
Staniford has also announced plans to migrate his online presence to Bluesky, a newer social media platform, while maintaining some activity on Twitter. “A more strategic and targeted approach awaits,” he said, without detailing specifics.
Despite his decision to step back, Staniford thanked those who supported his campaigns over the years, describing the experience as “a blast.”
“I won’t be disappearing completely,” he added, suggesting that his influence on the salmon farming debate is far from over.
While the industry may welcome a reprieve from Staniford’s highly publicized campaigns, his move to adopt a quieter but potentially more focused strategy suggests he will remain a formidable presence in the ongoing debate over the future of salmon farming.
In a post on Monday, however, Staniford showed he has not entirely left the field. Sharing photos from a visit to the Scottish Sea Farms facility at Barcaldine near Oban, he renewed his calls for action.
“Please boycott RSPCA Assured Scottish salmon” and criticizing retailers such as Marks and Spencer for “greenwashing,” he wrote on Facebook.
