Energy Partners, Ltd. was the high bidder on eight leases at the Central Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale 205 held yesterday in New Orleans, LA.

The eight high bid lease blocks cover a total of 40,760 acres on a gross basis, and include seven blocks on the Gulf of Mexico Shelf and one in deepwater. EPL's share of the high bids totals $19.2 million.

Richard A. Bachmann, EPL's Chairman and CEO commented, "This lease sale was a long awaited one, and we are pleased that we were successful with high bids within our core areas, including two leases in our highly successful South Timbalier area and a deepwater lease that enhances our existing portfolio."