continued to account for most of the wells drilled. However, 

 the forecast for 1976 predicted a 100% increase in total wells 

 drilled offshore of Texas represented by a surge in developmental 

 drilling and only a slight increase in the number of explora- 

 tory (wildcat) wells. The expectation for the future is that 

 exploration will drop considerably in 1977 and 1978, but that 

 development will continue at a high pace at least until 1985. 

 If the predictions about large reserves in the ultra-deep water 

 are correct, then development activity will probably continue 

 through the turn of the century after these areas have been 

 explored (Leblanc, 1976: 89-90). 



2.2 -- LEASING 



Historical information is presented for the lease sale 

 areas in the Gulf of Mexico (Figure 2.2). Summarized data 

 include the number of tracts, acres, and number leased; the 

 bonus paid; average price per acre; and number of bids re- 

 ceived for each sale. The present status of the leased acreage 

 is discussed including the number of tracts and acres still in 

 force, platforms installed, platforms presently active, and 

 number of fields discovered on the leased acreage. Haps 

 illustrate the status of areas by tract of the OCS off 

 Louisiana, Texas, and the MAFLA area. 



Analysis of the data (Figure 2.2) indicates con- 

 tinuous leasing and development activity for the Gulf 

 OCS. This demonstrates a commitment to full develop- 

 ment of the Gulf Outer Continental Shelf. In fact, the 



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