Don Staniford, the British-born activist who has been conducting a long campaign against aquaculture practices, has been taken to court by the world's second largest farmed salmon producer, Oslo-based Cermaq (operating as Mainstream in Canada), for defamation.

The trial began in the British Columbia Supreme Court in Vancouver on January 16, and is expected to last around 20 days. Mainstream is seeking $100,000 in general damages, $25,000 in punitive damages and a permanent injunction to stop Staniford from writing, printing or broadcasting defamatory words against the company. It is thought the company expected Staniford to settle out of court due to a lack of funds to pursue the case. However, Mr Saniford raised over $20,000 in public donations for his legal battle.

• Donations can be made to Mr Staniford's legal fund by clicking here.