The Louisiana Gulf Coast consists of the 38 southern parishes and the 16 continental shelf areas offshore. Oil and gas are produced from strata ranging in age from Cretaceous to Pleistocene.

The 2,421 development and exploratory wells drilled in 1963 are 8.2% more than were drilled in 1962. Of the 749 exploratory wells, 15.6% were successful.

Of the 43 new-field discoveries (26 onshore and 17 offshore) the most important finds are: 9 shallow Eocene fields in Avoyelles Parish; Lawson, Acadia; Half Moon Lake, St. Bernard; 5 new salt domes in South Marsh Island Area; Block 273 field Eugene Island Area; Block 176 field, South Timbalier; Block 250 field, Block 191 field, Block 54 field, Vermilion Area; and Block 64 field, Block 117 field, Block 73 field, West Delta Area. The most important of the 143 new pools and extensions include Little Pecan Lake and Kings Bayou, Cameron Parish, and Block 14 field, Vermilion Area.

Geophysical activity showed a decrease onshore but increased offshore. Lease activity continued at a brisk pace.

In general, 1963 compared favorably with 1962 and preceding years.