The base for report of the status of present development of offshore oil and for prediction of future developments is contained primarily in the past history of California offshore development, starting with the first tideland well drilled in 1896. Current annual (1959) production from State-leased offshore lands is 15 million bbls. from Orange, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. In addition, production has been developed from offshore lands granted by the State to municipalities at Newport Beach, Long Beach, and Redondo Beach.

Five leases, comprising 19,200 acres, are under exploration development in Santa Barbara County. Potential lease offers are under review by the State Lands Commission in both Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Submarine seismic and geological (core drilling) surveys are being continued over the majority of the Southern California offshore area extending seaward to the Channel Islands. Exploration and technological developments in drilling and production indicate that the maximum California offshore development will be achieved in the future.

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