Thai Union Responds to Greenpeace; Publishes Questionnaire Greenpeace Won't Acknowledge  Thai Union published a statement responding to Greenpeace's comments about the company in their report on the US Foodservice Industry, which we reported on in yesterday's news. In addition to describing their global sustainability strategy, Thai Union published their entire response to the corporate questionnaire Greenpeace sent them, and urged customers to read it. However, Greenpeace will not acknowledge any steps Thai Union is taking because it would undercut their campaign to paint a black and white picture to their donors writes John Sackton. "We support open debate about the future and health of our oceans. But open debate is not what's happening - in fact, far from it," said Thai Union in a statement. The response by the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, which is now public, shows that the Swedes believe the precautionary principle trumps the lack of scientific consensus. Sweden's statement says the US and Canadian reviews and analysis do not consider possible long-term effects. The response adds that even though no successful establishment of H. americanus has been recorded after intended releases, it is no guarantee that the same species will not be successfully invasive in another place or time. "Prevention is generally more environmentally desirable and cost-effective than reaction after the fact," Sweden said in its response. The Oregon Trawl Commission held a roundtable discussion to brainstorm marketing ideas in light of markedly higher annual catch limits for several rockfish species beginning in 2017. The challenge for the Commission writes Susan Chambers, is how to develop a market for West Coast rockfish, which has been absent from the seafood case for years. One key takeaway from the meeting was ensuring consistent, year-round supply of the fish. In other news, Alaska's crabbers want to change Country of Origin Labeling Laws (COOL) that exempt processed seafood products. The Inter-Cooperative Exchange says consumers are not able to determine the source of the crab products they buy since they fall under COOL exemptions because crabs are required to be cooked right after delivery. "Right now when a consumer goes into a grocery store they don’t know if the crab comes from Russia or Newfoundland or Alaska. And we think that the American consumers will prefer Alaskan product and there are good reasons for that," said Jake Jacobsen, director of the Exchange. Finally, American Seafoods will pay $3.1 million to the Canadian government as part of a settlement to cover the cost of damages done to the naval frigate the HMCS Winnipeg after the fishing vessel the American Dynasty crashed into it. The accident happened this past April in the Esquimalt Harbour. The Dynasty was heading towards the graving dock for repairs when it accelerated and crashed into the HMCS Winnipeg that was tied to a jetty.