GULF OF MEXICO - Communities all along the Gulf coast are doing whatever they can to prepare for the approaching oil slick.

More than 200,000 gallons of oil has been gushing in the water every day for three weeks.

Places like Dauphin Island, Alabama are making an all-out effort to hold back the sludge.

Meanwhile, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour says no oil from a leaking well has reached the state's shores, but he's calling on people to volunteer in case their help is needed cleaning up in the future.

Barbour said during a news conference Wednesday in Biloxi that 9,000 people and 315 vessels have been signed up to help. He urged more people to sign up as leaders make preparations to protect vital ecosystems with boats, booms and volunteers.

Barbour stressed that the oil remains miles from Mississippi shores and that tourists should not cancel vacation plans. He said "Mississippi is open for business."