On reading Mr Staniford’s comments in our pages, Mr Martin told IntraFish that he was “surprised that an expert invited by the [...] Committee to have his arguments heard, would depart from the scientific terrain and act as a political opponent.”

Blind fundamentalism “It is regrettable that some parliamentarians have been the focus of personal attacks,” he said. It was pointed out that Staniford was the only person present at the meeting to speak once outside: “It is neither fair-play nor correct”.

Several people have previouslly commented on Mr Staniford’s self-proclaimed ‘expert’ and ‘independent consultant’ status. Mr Staniford received a prestigious WWF-sponsored award last night in London (read: Don Staniford receives major WWF-sponsored environmental award published today, 24.10.2002).

“Mr Staniford supposedly accuses me of lack of objectivity when he himself behaves, not as an expert nor as a scientist but, as a fundamentalist adversary blind to an activity with prospects,” said Martin.

Not impressed by disinformation Mr Martin concluded: "We are seeking for balanced solutions in order to enable the development of aquaculture – whose potential is undeniable – whilst guaranteeing to consumers the quality of what s/he eats and a preserved environment to citizens. As for myself, I will continue this work entailing dialogue and listening, without letting myself be impressed by disinformation nor bad language."

Mr Martin himself was at the time the subject of one of Mr Staniford’s remarks [Read also 'Proud to be an anti-sea cage farming campaigner': Staniford (published 07.10.2002)]: "Monsieur Martin asked whether escapees could actually be beneficial for wild fish stocks," said Staniford. "I am not clear whether the rapporteur was being deliberately disingenuous or genuinely naïve here. If it is a case of the former then I have serious reservations about his impartiality and objectivity and if it is the latter, similarly, I wonder how someone so ill-informed and ignorant of the latest scientific research (much of it funded by the EC) is in a position to write an authoritative report for the European Parliament."

Anti-fish farmer behaving like ‘fundamentalist’ - EU rapporteur