Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited two subjects in St. Bernard Parish for alleged commercial seafood violations.

Agents cited Stephen Martin, 59, of Violet, on May 11 and Ram Miller, 37, of St. Bernard on June 11 for multiple violations of failing to report commercial fisheries data and failure to maintain records.

Agents performed a commercial seafood dock inspection on Gulf Island Seafood in St. Bernard Parish in February and March of 2025 and made contact with Martin. Agents found Martin in violation of 15 counts of failing to maintain commercial seafood records, 12 counts of failing to submit commercial fishery data to LDWF, and four counts of selling or buying fish without a wholesale/retail dealer’s license.

During the investigation of Gulf Island Seafood, agents found that St. Bernard Seafood Co. purchased fish from Martin.

Agents then performed a commercial seafood dock inspection on St. Bernard Seafood Co. in May of 2025 and made contact with Miller. Agents found Miller in violation of 12 counts of failing to maintain commercial seafood records, 12 counts of failing to submit commercial fishery data to LDWF and one count of buying fish from an unlicensed dealer.

Failing to maintain records, failing to report commercial fishery data, selling or buying fish without a wholesale dealer’s license and buying fish from an unlicensed dealer brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail for each offense.

Accurate maintenance of records for fishery data aides the department’s ability to manage commercial fisheries species. These records allow the agency to track sales and commercial seafood as it is shipped helping to ensure consumer safety at the restaurant or market.

Agents participating in these cases are Senior Agent Heather Fitzgerald and Senior Agent Joshua Schilling.