Offshore hydrocarbon exploration has been undertaken on Canada's Atlantic continental shelf since 1964. It is only recently, however, that the Hibernia find off the coast of Newfoundland has raised the possibility of the eventual production of oil. This article reviews the history of offshore exploration, comments on the locational significance of the Hibernia field, and analyzes the implications of the Newfoundland government's policies for affecting the location of onshore support facilities. A critique of these policies is placed within the context of coastal zone management and planning.