Again in 1956 operations in the Louisiana Gulf Coast were higher than in the last 5 years. In all 2,062 tests were drilled, 782 of which were exploratory tests (34% successful) and 1,280 development wells (78% successful). Oil production showed an increase of 14% during 1956 and gas production an increase of 15%.

The 72 new-field discoveries in 1956 showed an increase of 25% over the 57 fields found in 1955. Eugene Island Block 188 is the most important new-field discovery. The westward extension of the Bastian Bay field was the most important onshore development. There were also 131 new pools and 57 extensions to known fields discovered in 1956.

Seismic activity during 1956 showed an increase of 8% over 1955. Reflection seismograph was used in the discovery of 71 of the 72 fields in the Louisiana Gulf Coast. Gravity activity continues to show a slight decrease in 1956.

Miocene objectives constituted the majority of exploratory efforts; the Oligocene trend was second. A new world's deepest production mark of 21,465 ft. was established in 1956 in the Louisiana Gulf Coast. The average depth of successful new-field wildcats was 12,364 ft. Federal leasing of offshore lands has been discontinued pending the settlement of the United States-Louisiana tideland controversy.