Federal agencies Wednesday said 442 oiled birds had been collected alive; 633 were dead. The report said 50 sea turtles were collected alive, 272 dead.

BP employees have been forbitten access to the media; this was expected.

Adm. Allen said about 15,000 bbl. of oil were collected in the 24-hour period ending Tuesday. Much seems to be gushing into the Gulf in addition; scientists have estimates of as much as 50,000 bbl/day.
Comparison with the Valdez tanker spill is being made, but this is nonsensical.

Estimates are that it will take years to clean up the northern Gulf; seafood may not be safe for consumption for years.