Sooner or later nearly everyone who boats on the Great Lakes encounters an oil slick, unsightly discharge or some other unnatural phenomenon that is bad for the river and hazardous to those who depend upon it. Most boaters would like to take some action but aren't sure whom to contact or how to make contact.

The U.S. Coast Guard maintains a 24-hour hotline at the National Response Center in Washington, DC. If a citizen from the Detroit area makes a report, the Marine Safety Office in Detroit is immediately contacted, and an investigation is initiated followed by other action if necessary.

The Friends of the Detroit River (FDR) and the Detroit Riverkeeper have recently implemented a program to educate boaters and others about the National Response Center. FDR and the Riverkeeper have started a campaign to place metal signs displaying the Response Center's number at marinas, boat launches, parks and even airports. The signs read: "Report Marine Pollution to the National Response Center 800-424-8802."

The signs will educate river users and concerned individuals about how to report water problems. Quick reporting of problems will reduce damage from the offending substance by starting cleanup earlier, thus reducing damage and costs. It will also increase the likelihood of finding the source of the problem and of identifying those responsible.

FDR and the Detroit Riverkeeper Program are nonprofit organizations dedicated to preservation, protection and enhancement of the natural resources of the Detroit River and its connecting watersheds through the promotion of education, stewardship and the support of positive economic development. For more information on this or other activities, visit www.detroitriver.org or call (313) 388-8892.