Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land and U.S. Coast Guard officials are encouraging residents to help protect Michigan's waterways and other marine resources by joining the America's Waterway Watch campaign.

Information about the campaign is available at all Secretary of State offices. America's Waterway Watch is based on the idea that residents are in the best position to keep a watchful eye on area shorelines, bridges, tunnels, ports, watercraft, lakes, streams and rivers for suspicious activity.

"Being a part of the America's Waterway Watch campaign is really about being a good neighbor and citizen," Land said. "We all care about the communities we live in so it's natural for us to want to protect them. By reporting anything suspicious to authorities, we can do our part to keep Michigan safe and strong."

This the fourth year that the Department of State has joined with the U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons in promoting the campaign. Capt. Patrick Brennan, commander, Sector Detroit, Capt. Mark Huebschman, commander, Sector Sault Ste. Marie and Capt. Bruce Jones, commander, Sector Lake Michigan, representing the Great Lakes region, noted that the campaign acts as a deterrent to potential terrorist activity.

"Although the U.S. has not experienced the rash of terrorist attacks that other nations have, we can't afford to become complacent," Brennan said. "America's Waterway Watch is a simple but effective means of promoting greater public awareness about the importance of defending our waterways. No special training or equipment is needed, just sharp eyes and common sense. We are pleased to again work with Secretary Land in making information about the campaign available at all Secretary of State offices."

America's Waterway Watch asks residents to report:

• Any suspicious person who misuses boats or seems strangely unfamiliar with them.
• Any person or watercraft that appears to be loitering or has no specific reason for being in the area.
• Anyone trying to access a boat by using force.
• Unattended vessels in odd locations.
• Unusual night operations.
• Lights flashing between boats.
• Anyone recovering or tossing items into waterways or onto shorelines.

Residents are cautioned to not approach or challenge anyone acting suspiciously. Any concerns should be called into the National Response Center at (877) 24WATCH (249-2834). Life-threatening emergencies and serious threats to property should be reported to 911 or called into the Coast Guard on Marine Channel VHF 16.

The Coast Guard and U.S. Department of Homeland Security sponsor America's Waterway Watch nationwide. More information is available on the Coast Guard Web site at www.americaswaterwaywatch.org.

To locate the nearest Secretary of State office or to learn more about the department's programs and services, visit www.Michigan.gov/sos.