Colder waters slow Maine lobster catches to more traditional pace with molt still to come  Maine lobstermen are catching less lobster to start off the season compared to recent years, crediting colder waters for delaying the molt. Fishermen and buyers are reporting catches half the size compared to the same time last year. However, industry participants said the delay to this year’s molt actually positions the season within the fishery’s more traditional pace. Expectations are for lobsters to molt soon and for catches to strengthen into the latter part of the month. "This is more representative of a traditional lobstering season," said Tim Harkins, president of the Maine Import Export Lobster Dealers' Association. "The lobsters will come." Members of the Thai Frozen Food Association issued a statement affirming there are no labor issues in any of their shrimp and seafood operations. The statement lists a number of declarations condemning abusive labor practices in the shrimp supply chain and harsh penalties for violators. Meanwhile, the pressure for processors to hire workers is down as Thai shrimp production--hit hard by EMS-- is down to one-third of its peak in 2010 with the country now the fifth largest exporter to the US, not first. In other news Alaska General Seafoods posted the first official advance price for Bristol Bay sockeye at $1.20 per pound, with an extra $0.15 for chilled fish. The Alaska Independent Fishermen’s Marekting Assocaiton said other processors are likely to match according to Laine Welch. Finally, shrimp prices in China are down as much as 50 percent after heavy harvesting has flooded the market with white shrimp. The influx of product has hit markets in Zhongshan, Xinhui, Jiangmen and Shanwei. But weak demand for the strong supply has sent prices spiraling.