Experts are saying oil well drilling in the country has plummeted in 2016.

The latest statistics show it is at its lowest activity since 1977 when the CAODC began recording drilling activity.

The Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors (CAODC) demonstrate in their fourth quarter forecast how new oil and gas drilling has decreased by 25 per cent in 2016, a drop from the original forecast in late 2015.

The national association has already predicted a total of over 3,500 oil wells will be drilled by the end of the year. CAODC experts say 140 rigs have been active this year, a drop of 59 rigs (31 per cent) initially predicted in their forecast.

In addition, nearly 35,000 jobs have been lost in the oil and gas drilling sector within the last 2 years.

Residents of West Central Saskatchewan and Alberta have felt the rippling effect of the struggling oil and gas sector in the last couple years. Locals have had to adjust during a difficult time for jobs in the sector.

Early predictions from research experts within the field indicate the sector will likely see the same amount of production for the remainder of the decade.