Bakkafrost Scotland has escalated its legal battle against anti-salmon farming activist Don Staniford, pursuing an interim interdict ahead of a court hearing scheduled for Monday, 30 September, in Dunoon Sheriff Court.
The Faroese-owned company had initially agreed to pause its legal proceedings until after Mowi’s appeal hearing in November, but has now opted to move forward following a change in strategy. Bakkafrost claims Staniford unlawfully accessed its aquaculture sites multiple times over the summer, filming and sharing videos of the incursions online.
In a letter from Bakkafrost’s legal representatives, the company detailed several incidents, including unauthorized visits to fish farms at Loch Shieldaig and the Isle of Gigha. The company expressed concerns about the repeated incursions and requested that Staniford cease his activities or face further legal action.
Bakkafrost claims Staniford’s actions violate legal proceedings involving other salmon farming companies.
Staniford has publicly accused Bakkafrost of harmful farming practices and has shared footage from his visits, raising concerns over fish welfare.
Responding to the claims, Staniford defended his actions, writing on Facebook: “The first case cited by Bakkafrost’s expensive lawyers… is a visit in June to Fairlie Quay – a site not even owned by Bakkafrost – when I exposed how Bakkafrost had illegally imported fish feed from the Faroes.”
The case is set to be heard in Dunoon Sheriff Court on Monday.
