March 9, 2026 — Closing arguments have been made in a case in Raleigh that could help determine the future direction of how North Carolina manages its fisheries.
But it still could be several months before the Wake County Superior Court judge makes a decision.
The Coastal Conservation Association of North Carolina is suing the state alleging that it hasn’t effectively maintained its fisheries, which are considered a natural resource to be managed for the benefit of all North Carolinians.
After several court wins for the association against moves by the state to dismiss the case, which was filed in 2020, the trial began Jan. 20.