ATP Oil & Gas Corporation was the apparent high bidder on the two offshore blocks, High Island Block A-580 and East Breaks Block 563, for which it submitted bids at the Western Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale 204 held August 21st in New Orleans.

High Island Block A-580 is located in 348 feet of water and is adjacent to the company's high impact shelf development at High Island A-589. Exploration opportunities have already been identified on adjoining blocks to East Breaks Block 563 which is located in 2,795 feet of water.

Commenting on the pending lease approval, ATP Senior Vice President Gerald W. Schlief stated, "ATP continues to add high impact development opportunities to its portfolio. If these two blocks are awarded to ATP, our already outstanding inventory of opportunities will get stronger and the company will own a 100% working interest in each block and serve as operator of both properties."