Fred Bird dives into a lead story about a critical fisheries reform bill in North Carolina with Senior Coordinator, Southeastern States Conner Barker. House Bill 442, which aims to prohibit industrial shrimp trawling in inshore waters, highlights the ecological impacts of shrimp trawling, including bycatch and habitat destruction. Fred and Conner emphasize the support from the recreational fishing community for these badly needed reforms, and share a positive outlook on the future of marine conservation efforts in the Tar Heel State. Fred then transitions to cover the rest of the news fit to print about the great outdoors this week, including the push for a habitat project in Virginia; hunting opportunities expansion in Hawaii to manage invasive feral pigs, goats and sheep; and much more! Takeaways Critical Fisheries Reform Legislation Advancing in NC: House Bill 442 aims to prohibit industrial shrimp trawling in inshore waters, where North Carolina's estuaries are vital marine habitats and bycatch from shrimp trawling negatively impacts juvenile fish species. North Carolina is an anomaly among Southeastern states in that they allow industrial shrimp trawling in the state’s inshore waters. Early Successional Habitat in Virginia: Timber harvest, prescribed burns, and other vegetation treatments in the VA Archer Knob project will help correct an age-class imbalance on the George Washington National Forest. Hawaii Game Management: The 2025 game management area hunting season empowers sportsmen and women to manage invasive species, while protecting native ecosystems and providing sporting opportunity. By targeting feral species, hunters support the critically endangered palila, aligning with conservation goals. Get the FREE Sportsmen’s Voice e-publication in your inbox every Monday: www.congressionalsportsmen.org/newsletter Sign up for FREE legislative tracking through CSF’s Tracking the Capitols tool: www.congressionalsportsmen.org/tracking-the-capitols/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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