BOSTON — 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 was 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 fishermen about overzealous law enforcement.

11:21 a.m.

PORTLAND — The U.S. commerce secretary is paying a visit to Maine today just days after ordering a review of several questionable penalties assessed against fishermen in the last decade.

Gary Locke will meet with fishermen and others in Portland to discuss issues relating to New England fisheries including a report detailing problems with fisheries enforcement. The report prompted Locke last week to appoint a special master to examine 19 “problematic” enforcement cases in the Northeast.

U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, who’ll accompany him, has been critical of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s fishery enforcement division.

Pingree, a Maine Democrat, says she’ll discuss her concerns with Locke. She says the federal government “shouldn’t treat fishermen like they are criminals.”