The Louisiana Gulf Coast region consists of the 38 southern parishes of Louisiana and 21 continental shelf areas extending out to the 6,500-ft water-depth limit.

There were 1,724 exploratory and development wells drilled in 1974, a decrease of 12% from the previous year. Of the exploratory wells, 21% were successful. Success for development wells was 67% for 1974.

A total of 23 significant new-field discoveries was drilled in 1974, 10 onshore and 12 offshore. The most important are South Timbalier Block 37, Eugene Island Block 367, Jennings Townsite, Raccoon Lake, North Vinton, West Johnson's Bayou, and Hopedale Lagoon. The most significant of the new pools and extensions are Eugene Island Block 313, South Pass Block 62, South Marsh Island Block 128, Vermilion Block 331, Pecan Island, Pine Prairie, Mystic Bayou, and Golden Meadow.

Geophysical activity increased 4% onshore and 8% offshore. Evaluation of recently acquired leases and anticipation of future sales account for the increase offshore.

Record amounts were bid for leases offshore in March 1974, and royalty bidding was introduced at the October Federal Lease Sale.