Shale gas plays gained 14 active rigs to 964 rigs in the week ended April 29 over the previous week’s 950 rigs for a 1% increase, but the total was a 2% decrease from the 981 rigs active a month ago for the week ending April 1, according to NGI’s Shale Daily Unconventional Rig Count.

The most recent count was 16% higher than the 832 rigs reported a year ago.

Among the major basins, only the Barnett Shale showed a decline, from 71 rigs a week ago to 67 rigs as of April 29. The Shale Daily rig count is compiled using basic rig data collected by Smith Bits, a Schlumberger company.

Friday’s tally showed the Bakken/Sanish/Three Forks up 2% to 176 active rigs, while the Marcellus was up 1% to 143 active rigs. The Haynesville/Bossier came in at 140 rigs on Friday, 1% more than the previous Friday.