PORTLAND, Maine -- The Coast Guard is encouraging waterfront workers and recreational boaters to keep their eyes open along the thousands of miles of Maine's coast.

The Coast Guard Tuesday announced a new initiative called "America's Waterway Watch." It asks ordinary citizens to report suspicious activity in the cause of homeland security.

Waterway Watch builds upon the Coastal Beacons effort launched in 2002 that asked Maine fishermen to report unusual activity on the water.

Chief Petty Officer John Hart spoke at a Portland waterfront news conference Tuesday. Hart said members of the waterfront community are in a good position to recognize what's unusual in their areas.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is spreading the word about the new program during safety checks.