Don Staniford criticizes ruling as prospect of activists facing further legal pressure increases.
Anti-salmon farming activist Don Staniford expressed disappointment after Scotland’s Court of Session upheld a ban preventing him from accessing Mowi Scotland’s fish pens on Tuesday. The decision also obliges Staniford to pay Mowi’s legal costs.
“I am obviously extremely disappointed that this case creates a dangerous precedent and a chilling effect,” Staniford told SalmonBusiness.
The ruling affirms an interdict prohibiting Staniford from boarding, entering, or occupying Mowi’s facilities across 47 sites. While certain conditions—such as restrictions on drone use—were removed during an earlier appeal, the core prohibition remains.
“It seems that the property rights of a Norwegian multinational now trump the public right to access and navigation. Extremely disappointing. Thanks to my legal team for all their support,” Staniford posted to his Facebook page.
Further cases on the horizon
The outcome is likely to have broader implications for salmon farming companies and activists alike. Other legal actions, including cases involving Scottish Sea Farms and Bakkafrost Scotland, have been postponed pending the conclusion of Staniford’s appeals. Bakkafrost’s case is scheduled to be heard in December at Dunoon Sheriff Court.
The case raises questions about the use of interdicts in the aquaculture industry and their potential impact on activism. The ruling also touches on broader issues of access to public waters and the legal framework surrounding activities near fish farms.
Mowi has not yet commented on whether it intends to pursue the legal costs awarded in this case. Further hearings involving other companies are likely to test the limits of this legal precedent.
