BEIJING, Aug. 3 (Xinhuanet) -- America's National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has called on the National Marine Fisheries Service to help slow sandbar shark fishing by permitting only commercial vessels that take part in a shark research program.

    The agency has proposed an amendment to its fishery management plan that would help it meet a congressional mandate to end all overfishing.

    Many shark species have been decimated in recent decades. Sandbar sharks are particularly vulnerable to overexploitation since they grow slowly and produce few offspring.

    "Because sandbar sharks as well as dusky sharks have been severely depleted, we must take strong measures to stop overfishing and allow these species to rebuild," said William T. Hogarth, director of NOAA Fisheries Service.

    Sandbar sharks are highly sought after because of their large fins, which are considered a delicacy in some cultures and are the main ingredient in shark fin soup.

    During August and September, NOAA Fisheries Service will hold hearings along the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico to gather public comments on the proposed amendment.

    (Agencies)