Two fishery officers who have been working out of the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) office in Comox will be relocated to Campbell River by April 1 as the department consolidates its Conservation and Protection program.
In addition, a biologist will be relocated to Nanaimo as part of a new Fisheries Protection Program.
A resource manager and a community adviser will continue to work out of Comox. The public can obtain in-person service but will need to book an appointment beforehand.
As announced in this year's federal budget, DFO needs to "identify internal departmental efficiencies" rising to $33 million per year by 2015–16, a spokesperson said. The plan is to modernize its organizational structure to provide cost-effective services. Changes will not affect frontline staff.
Vancouver Island North MP John Duncan has conversed with Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea, who recently visited the riding.
"She's quite familiar with the area," Duncan said. "She understands our issues."
That understanding, however, "doesn't' always correspond with what she's able to do," Duncan added.
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com