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

There were 2,412 development and exploratory wells drilled in 1964, 9 fewer than in 1963. Of the 744 exploratory wells, 20 per cent were successful.

Of the 36 new-field discoveries (23 onshore and 13 offshore), the most important finds are: Block 238 and Block 276 fields, Eugene Island Area; Block 108 field, South Marsh Island Area; Block 274 field, Ship Shoal Area; Block 193, Block 271, and Block 289 fields, Vermilion area; and Bayou Henry field, Iberville Parish. The most important of the 112 new pools and extensions were completed in Block 276 field, Eugene Island Area; Block 73 field, South Marsh Island Area; Ramos field, St. Mary Parish; and in Bayou Gerance field, Pointe Coupee Parish.

Geophysical activity increased slightly onshore and markedly offshore. Lease activity remained at a high level.

In general, 1964 compared favorably with the preceding year.