Marine Harvest sues activist for trespassing
MARINE Harvest Canada has filed a lawsuit against activist and independent biologist Alexandra Morton for allegedly trespassing on three salmon farms on the BC coast last month, CBC News reported.
Morton spent the summer visiting farms — uninvited — aboard the Martin Sheen, owned by the group Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, looking for what she said were unhealthy salmon.
Marine Harvest alleges she and others trespassed on their Glacier Falls, Midsummer Island and Sonora Island operations without permission and intentionally tampered with the equipment. At two facilities, they’re accused of violating biosecurity procedures.
The group is also accused of flying a drone and diving at one facility, putting an object in the water at another and ignoring Marine Harvest’s instruction to leave.
‘The defendants’ conduct interfered with Marine Harvest’s use and enjoyment of its property,’ the company wrote.
Morton told CBC News the work she and others did visiting salmon farms was necessary to draw attention to what she believes is a threat to wild salmon.
Marine Harvest said it is willing to provide tours of facilities to the public and to share information with First Nations partners, conservation organisations, academia and government.
It is seeking damages, costs and an interim and permanent injunction.