Nation IN BRIEF : NATIONWIDE : U.S. Proposes Curbs on Shark Fishing

After more than two years of debate, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced plans to curtail both commercial and sports fishing for 39 species of sharks in U.S. waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. The action, long advocated by marine biologists and environmental groups, came in response to a sharp decline in the population of sharks in recent years. Pacific Ocean waters are not included in the plan. Under the proposal, a quota of about 3,000 metric tons a year will be imposed on the commercial catch from the three areas. Sports fishing boats will be limited to two sharks a day from large species and five from the small species. The minimum sizes are set for sharks of each species that may be taken.