08/31/2026
What you need to know about the CCA lawsuit: part 2
Nearly six years ago, the CCA filed a lawsuit challenging how North Carolina manages and protects its coastal fisheries. The CCA is a special interest group representing the interests of select recreational fishermen.
Several weeks ago, a Wake County Superior Court judge ruled that the State had failed to meet its legal obligations to properly manage and protect those fisheries.
Next, the case moves into the “remedy phase,” where a judge will consider what changes may be required to how fisheries are managed going forward.
This is a significant development in how North Carolina’s coastal waters are governed, and it could shape the future of both commercial fishing, recreational fishing, and seafood availability in the state.
Locals Seafood exists because of North Carolina’s commercial fishermen, and we also depend on healthy, productive fisheries. We don’t see those as competing goals. As this process continues, we hope fishermen, scientists, managers, and coastal communities have a meaningful voice in determining what comes next.
Well do our best to keep you informed as this situation unfolds.