Some contracted vessel operators working for BP have been barred by a clause in their contract from speaking to the media, according to a report at the Powering A Nation blog at the University of North Carolina's News21 site.

“BP has made claims that it has not blocked media from covering the oil spill. But a contract that became valid May 2 suggested otherwise.BP required workers employed in the Vessels of Opportunity program and other programs to sign a contract. The Vessels of Opportunity contract put fishermen at risk of losing their job, which is their only form of income, if they speak with the media," the blog reported.

“The contract included a clause prohibiting them and their deckhands from making 'news releases, marketing presentation, or any other public statements' while working on the clean-up. It also included an additional section titled 'Agreement Regarding Proprietary and Confidential Information,' which states that workers cannot disclose 'Data' gathered while on the job, including' plans,' 'reports,' 'information' and 'etc.'”

This follows numerous reports from media outlets that they are being barred from access to some polluted beaches and information, often by BP officials themselves.