The level of operations in the Louisiana Gulf Coast was higher during 1952 than in the previous year. In all, 1,156 wells were drilled, 390 of which were exploratory tests and 766 were field wells. Thirty-four per cent of the exploratory tests and 78 per cent of the development wells were successfully completed. Production of oil and gas was greater in 1952 than in any preceding year.

Thirty-eight new fields were found as a result of the drilling of 202 new-field wildcats, or a success rate of nearly 19 per cent. The important new fields are considered to be East Lake Verret, East Black Bay, Deep Lake, Bourg, and Lobdell. In addition, 188 other exploratory tests located on proved structures were also drilled, 94 of which were completed as producing wells.

The reflection seismograph continues to be the most important exploratory tool in South Louisiana. The level of these operations was higher than in 1951. Gravity-meter work also increased.

The major concentration of exploratory effort is expended in the belt of Miocene objectives. Because of the unsettled status of the Tidelands issue, practically all of the activity in the last year has been on the land. The Oligocene trend ranks second in activity. No significant changes in the over-all levels of exploration are expected in 1953.