The Louisiana Gulf Coast includes the 38 southern parishes of Louisiana and 16 continental shelf areas offshore. Oil and gas are produced from strata ranging in age from Cretaceous to Pleistocene.

There were 2,505 exploratory and development wells drilled in 1968, an increase of 394 from the previous year. Of the 801 exploratory wells, 21% were successful.

Discovery of 26 new fields (17 onshore and 9 offshore) was made in 1968. The most important are West Manchester, Calcasieu Parish; Block 14, East Cameron Area; Block 61, South Pass Area; and Block 290 and Block 305, Main Pass Area. The most significant of the 139 new pools and extensions were at Bayou Bouillon, St. Martin Parish; Bayou Carlin, St. Mary Parish; Tigre Lagoon, Vermilion Parish; Block 204 and Block 239 Ship Shoal Area; and Block 56, West Cameron Area.

Geophysical activity decreased from the previous year, mainly onshore. In 1968, 6 state lease sales and 1 federal offshore drainage sale were held. A record bid of $27,401 per acre was made on a West Delta offshore tract.