Massachusetts: NOAA chief says she’ll come back to New England

The nation’s ocean’s chief has agreed to return to New England to discuss her agency’s management of the fishing industry.

Earlier this month, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration head Jane Lubchenco visited Massachusetts and faced tough questioning from lawmakers critical of a new fish management system she has championed. U.S. Sen. Scott Brown later called for Lubchenco to be fired.

Sen. John Kerry’s wrote Lubchenco last week, and his appeal for her to return was among 11 requests she responded to in her letter Thursday.

She also said NOAA is considering if some closed fishing areas could reopen and would quickly review requests for a federal disaster declaration for the fishing industry.

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has asked for the declaration and $21 million in economic aid for fishermen hurt by the new management system.