In 1976, 1,155 wells (exploratory and development) were drilled in the Upper Gulf Coast of Texas. This is a 2.2% increase from the 1,130 wells drilled in 1975. Offshore development drilling showed the greatest increase--more than 700%--from 9 wells drilled in 1975 to 77 in 1976. This increase reflects industry's commitment to rapid and continuing development of Pleistocene reservoirs in the High Island offshore areas. Onshore development drilling declined 9% but onshore exploratory drilling increased 11%. The most active onshore trend was the Oligocene showing an increase of 22% in total wells drilled, from 169 in 1975 to 206 in 1976.