The U.S. Coast Guard has launched what it calls Operation Coal Shovel around Lake Huron.

Operation Coal Shovel is an effort to keep the Great Lakes and their waterways clear of ice. Lieutenant Samuel Rodriguez says it involves U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers working together throughout the winter to keep shipping lanes open for commerce.

“From the lower portion of Lake Huron all the way out to areas near Buffalo, and so we keep all that area available,” Rodriguez said. “Other areas in Michigan that you might see would be like Saginaw Bay or down in Ohio like Toledo. Even harbors like downtown, we try to make sure that all those are open.”

In addition to keeping commercial routes clear, the operation will include search and rescue missions, flood mitigation, and opening channels to access icebound communities.