Advances in technology have helped lead exploration and development of our nation’s offshore energy production out to the deepwater (1,000 feet to 4,999 feet) and ultra-deep waters (5,000 feet and beyond). The trend to move to the deepwater has resulted in more than 150 deepwater discoveries. At present, 62 percent of the oil produced in the Gulf of Mexico and 32 percent of the natural gas produced in the Gulf of Mexico is produced in water depths beyond 1,000 feet. Between 1996 and 2000, oil production in the deepwater Gulf increased by 276 percent.
Source: Minerals Management Service