As conservatives question President Obama’s management of the oil spill crisis, a White House official confirmed Saturday that the president will visit the Gulf coast on Sunday. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar also said the incident will have "huge ramifications" for future drilling: "We have a lot to lose here in America, in terms of an energy resource and in terms of environmental values that we very much cherish." Meanwhile scientists are keeping a close eye on local flora and fauna as the southern Louisiana shoreline, home to pelicans, shrimp, and alligators, turns into a foul-smelling, goopy sponge for oil. The wetlands could retain the oil for years, experts say. An environmentalist told The Washington Post that the Gulf oil spill could lead to a "a potential mega-disaster." It's been nine days now since an oil rig run by BP exploded, sending thousands of gallons of oil gushing into the water every day. Making matters worse is the spill's timing: This is the season when birds congregate in the region.