It's been happening as long as there have been two sides of an argument -- people lining up support for their point of view.

Seafood is no exception.

Whether it's about the safety of Gulf seafood following the oil spill, the "truth" about genetically engineered salmon, the debate about whether aquaculture is good or bad, there's no shortage of people, companies and lobbyists waiting to offer their opinions -- for a price.

While some of these people and organizations genuinely believe what they say and act from a sense of conviction, they appear to be overwhelmed by armies of analysts, scientists and activists who choose their alliances based on who will provide them the largest paycheck.

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