The level of operations in the Louisiana Gulf Coast in 1954 was higher than in the last five years. In all, 1,703 tests were drilled, 552 of which were exploratory tests and 1,151 field wells. Thirty-six per cent of the exploratory tests and 82 per cent of the development wells were successfully completed. Production of oil was less in 1954 than in 1953 but gas production increased over the preceding year.

Thirty-four new fields were found as the result of drilling 201 new-field wildcats, or a successful rate of 17 per cent. The most important new fields are considered to be Bayou Sorrel, Crab Lake, Dixon Bay, East Lake Palourde, Eugene Island Block 18, South Pass Block 27, West Cameron Block 110, and West Cameron Block 192. In addition, 351 other exploratory tests located on proved structures were also drilled, 166 of which were completed as producing wells.

The reflection seismograph continues to be the most important exploratory tool used in the Louisiana Gulf Coast, and the level of seismic activity increased in 1954. The level of gravity activity showed a slight decrease in 1954 from the 1953 level.

The major concentration of exploratory effort is still expended in the belt of Miocene objectives, with the Oligocene belt second. Activity in the offshore areas more than doubled compared with 1953 as a result of the Tidelands decision. No significant changes in the over-all levels of exploration are expected on land for 1955, but the level in the offshore areas is expected to increase.