NOAA Fisheries is proposing a suite of new regulations for Atlantic shark fisheries. Written comments on the proposed rule must be received by 5 p.m. on September 30, 2003. The rule includes the following proposals: outline a procedure to prevent overfishing of finetooth sharks; revise commercial quota levels; eliminate a commercial minimum size; implement a time/area closure to protect pupping and nursery grounds; revise recreational retention and size limits; and establish handline and rod and reel as the only authorized gears in the recreational shark fishery. For a detailed explanation of the proposed changes, and for information on how to submit comment, click here.