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Exploration activity in Washington has increased during the past 3 years. Thirty-nine drilling permits were issued in 1961-63 compared with 22 permits in the previous 3 years. Exploratory footage drilled in 1962 was 42,463 in 10 wells, and footage in 1963 was 44,757 in 13 wells. Interest is shifting offshore. Six or more major companies conducted marine seismic, gas exploder, gravity, and aeromagnetic surveys during 1963. Approximately 35,000 acres of offshore lands owned by the State of Washington were under lease prior to 1962. Subsequent to 1962, offshore lands under lease increased to an estimated 183,000 acres.

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