The Deep Shelf Play in the Gulf of Mexico represents the logical evolution of exploration in a world-class basin. Once obvious salt-related features were exploited, evolving seismic technology created an HCI-driven exploration effort utilizing closely spaced 2-D and then regional 3-D coverage to illuminate low-risk "anomalies." The method was effective but required little in the way of insightful geologic analysis. After years of diligent effort, the waning availability of shallow "anomalies," decreasing reserve sizes, and increasing decline rates have caused exploratory attention to shift to the deeper, predominantly Miocene section. This new exploration venue has tremendous potential but its prosecution requires a higher level of geoscience integration coupled with state-of-the-art drilling technology. Successful exploration of this trend demands careful attention to regional geology: documenting depositional fairways and structural timing. The necessity of reliable seismic imaging requires rigorous re-processing of surface seismic and the integration of borehole seismic for a scalable interpretation. Prospect analysis and risking techniques are the key to creating a deep shelf portfolio that will generate consistent results and provide the opportunity for "company maker" discoveries. The confluence of high gas prices, advanced technology, and a prospect trend rich in potential and covered with infrastructure creates an opportunity set unique in our careers.

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