Commerce Chief Vows To End Fishing Rules Problems

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke is repeating his promise that questionable enforcement of fishing regulations will end on his watch.

Locke met Monday in Boston with Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, U.S. Rep. Barney Frank and officials from the Bay State's fishing industry. Locke also is planning to meet with Maine fishing industry officials.

The meetings come days after Locke ordered a review of questionable penalties assessed against fisherman over the last decade by the fishing enforcement officers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Locke also announced Monday a $3 million research grant to Massachusetts aimed at improving equipment and making fishermen more efficient. He also said that an online hotline is being set up to field complaints from fisherman about overzealous law enforcement.