<PAGE>   1

    AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 3, 1996

                                                  Registration No. 333-
================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                               _________________

                                    FORM S-8
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                               _________________

                           SEAGULL ENERGY CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

             TEXAS                                              74-1764876
(State or other jurisdiction of                               (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                              Identification No.)
                 
                                  1001 FANNIN
                                   SUITE 1700
                           HOUSTON, TEXAS  77002-6714
          (Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
                              ____________________

       GLOBAL NATURAL RESOURCES INC. 1989 KEY EMPLOYEES STOCK OPTION PLAN
              GLOBAL NATURAL RESOURCES INC. 1992 STOCK OPTION PLAN
                            (Full title of the plan)

                              WILLIAM L. TRANSIER
               SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
                           SEAGULL ENERGY CORPORATION
                            1001 FANNIN, SUITE 1700
                           HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002-6714
                    (Name and address of agent for service)

                                 (713) 951-4700
         (Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

                                    Copy to:

                                 J. MARK METTS
                             VINSON & ELKINS L.L.P.
                             2300 FIRST CITY TOWER
                           HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002-6760

                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
========================================================================================================================
       Title of             Amount to be           Proposed maximum          Proposed maximum            Amount of
   securities to be          registered             offering price               aggregate            registration fee
      registered                                     per share (1)          offering price (1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>                      <C>                     <C>                       <C>
Common Stock,
  $.10 par value (2)       2,469,984 shares             $13.373                 $33,030,711               $10,010
========================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

(1) Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee, in
    accordance with Rule 457(h), on the basis of (i) the weighted average 
    price of $8.51 per share at which outstanding Global Natural Resources Inc. 
    Stock Options ("Global Options") may be exercised, for the 1,377,068 
    Global Options for which such price is known, and (ii) the price of 
    securities of the same class, as determined in accordance with Rule 457(c),
    using the average of the high and low prices reported on the New York 
    Stock Exchange of $19.50 per share for Registrant's Common Stock on 
    September 26, 1996, for the 1,092,916 Global Options for  which a price is 
    not known.
        
(2) This Registration Statement also pertains to rights to purchase shares of
    Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock of the Registrant.  One right
    is attached to and trades with each share of Registrant's Common Stock.
    Until the occurrence of certain events, the rights are not exercisable and
    will not be evidenced or transferred apart from the Registrant's Common
    Stock.  Any value attributable to such rights is reflected in the market
    price of Registrant's Common Stock.
                              _________________


================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
                                    PART II
               INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT

ITEM 3.      INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE.

    The following documents, which have been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission") by Seagull Energy Corporation (Exchange
Act Registration No. 1-8094), a Texas corporation (the "Registrant"), are
incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof:

         (a)     Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
                 31, 1995;

         (b)     Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended 
                 March 31, 1996 and June 30, 1996;

         (c)     Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August
                 28, 1996, including the financial statements of Esso Suez Inc.
                 filed as Exhibit 99.1 to such Current Report;

         (d)     the description of Registrant's Common Stock contained in the
                 Registration Statement on Form 8-A declared effective by the
                 Commission on January 30, 1981, together with the amendments
                 on Form 8 filed with the Commission on January 29, 1981,
                 January 30, 1981 and October 28, 1991; and

         (e)     the description of Registrant's Series B Junior Participating
                 Preferred Stock and related rights contained in the
                 Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Commission
                 on March 17, 1989.

    All documents filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14
and 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the effective date of this
Registration Statement, prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment to
this Registration Statement indicating that all securities offered hereby have
been sold or deregistering all securities then remaining unsold, shall be
deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and to be a part hereof from the
date of filing of such documents.  Any statement contained herein or in any
document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be
deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement
to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently
filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference
herein modifies or supersedes such statement.  Any such statement so modified
or superseded shall not be deemed to constitute a part of this Registration
Statement, except as so modified or superseded.

ITEM 4.      DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES.

    Not applicable.

ITEM 5.      INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL.

    None.

ITEM 6.      INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

    Article 2.02-1 of the Texas Business Corporation Act provides that any
director or officer of a Texas corporation may be indemnified against
judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually
incurred by him in connection with or in defending any action, suit or
proceeding in which he is a party by reason of his position.  With respect to
any proceeding arising from actions taken in his official capacity, as a
director or officer, he may be indemnified so long as it shall be determined
that he conducted himself in good faith and that he reasonably believed that
such conduct was in the corporation's best interest.  In cases not concerning
conduct in his official capacity as a director or officer, a director or
officer may be indemnified so long as it shall be determined that he conducted
himself in good faith and that he reasonably believed that his conduct was not
opposed to the corporation's best interest.  In the case of any criminal
proceeding, a director or officer may be indemnified if he had no reasonable
cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.  If a director of officer is wholly
successful, on the merits or otherwise, in connection with such a proceeding,
such indemnification is mandatory.

    Article VI of Registrant's Bylaws requires the indemnification of officers
and directors to the fullest extent permitted by the Texas Business Corporation
Act.  Registrant also has policies insuring its officers and directors against
certain liabilities for actions taken in such capacities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act of 1933.

    Reference is made to Article Eleven of the Articles of Incorporation of the
Registrant, which was adopted by Registrant's shareholders on May 11, 1988 and
which provides as follows:






                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3
                                "ARTICLE ELEVEN

    A director of the corporation shall not be liable to the corporation or its
    shareholders for monetary damages for an act or omission in the director's
    capacity as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the
    director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its shareholders; (ii) for
    acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct
    or a knowing violation of law; (iii) for any transaction from which the
    director received an improper benefit, whether or not the benefit resulted
    from an action taken within the scope of the director's office; (iv) for
    acts or omissions for which the liability of a director is expressly
    provided for by statute; or (v) for acts related to an unlawful stock
    repurchase or dividend payment.  Any repeal or amendment of this Article by
    the shareholders of the corporation shall be prospective only, and shall
    not adversely affect any limitation on the liability of a director of the
    corporation existing at the time of such repeal or amendment.  In addition
    to the circumstances in which a director of the corporation is not liable
    as set forth in the preceding sentences, a director shall not be liable to
    the fullest extent permitted by any provision of the statutes of Texas
    hereafter enacted that further limits the liability of a director."

    Effective as of August 28, 1989, Article 7.06.B of the Texas Miscellaneous
Corporation Laws Act was amended to read in its entirety as follows:

         "B. The articles of incorporation of a corporation may provide that a
    director of the corporation shall not be liable, or shall be liable only to
    the extent provided in the articles of incorporation, to the corporation or
    its shareholders or members for monetary damages for an act or mission in
    the director's capacity as a director, except that this article does not
    authorize the elimination or limitation of the liability of a director to
    the extent the director is found liable for:

             (1) a breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation
         or its shareholders or members;

             (2) an act or omission not in good faith that constitutes a breach
         of duty of the director to the corporation or an act or omission that
         involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law;

             (3) a transaction from which the director received an improper
         benefit, whether or not the benefit resulted from an action taken
         within the scope of the director's office; or

             (4) an act or omission for which the liability of a director is
         expressly provided for by an applicable statute."

ITEM 7.      EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED.

    Not applicable.

ITEM 8.      EXHIBITS.

    Unless otherwise indicated below as being incorporated by reference to
another filing of the Registrant with the Commission, each of the following
exhibits is filed herewith:

         4.1     -  Articles of Incorporation of Seagull Energy Corporation, as
                    amended, including Articles of Amendment filed May 12,
                    1988, May 21, 1991, and May 21, 1993 with the Secretary of
                    State of the State of Texas, that certain Statement of
                    Relative Rights and Preferences related to the designation
                    and issuance of Registrant's $2.25 Convertible Exchangeable
                    Preferred Stock, Series A, filed August 6, 1986 with the
                    Secretary of State of the State of Texas and that certain
                    Statement of Resolution Establishing Series of Shares of
                    Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock of Registrant
                    filed March 21, 1989 with the Secretary of State of the
                    State of Texas (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to
                    Quarterly Report of Seagull Energy Corporation on Form 10-Q
                    for the quarter ended June 30, 1993).

         4.2     -  Bylaws of Registrant, as amended through March 17, 1995
                    (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Quarterly
                    Report of Seagull Energy Corporation on Form 10-Q for the
                    quarter ended March 31, 1995).

         4.3     -  Rights Agreement dated as of March 17, 1989 between Seagull
                    Energy Corporation and NCNB Texas National Bank, as Rights
                    Agent, which includes the form of Statement of Resolution
                    setting forth the terms of the Series B Junior
                    Participating Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share,
                    as Exhibit A, the form of Right Certificate as Exhibit B
                    and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Preferred Shares as
                    Exhibit C (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to
                    Quarterly Report of Seagull Energy Corporation on Form 10-Q
                    for the quarter ended June 30, 1993).

         4.4     -  First Amendment to Right Agreement by and between Seagull
                    Energy Corporation and NationsBank of Texas, N.A. (Formerly
                    NCNB Texas National Bank) dated as of June 18, 1992
                    (incorporated by


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4
                    reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Registration Statement of 
                    Seagull Energy Corporation on Form S-3 (File No. 33-55426)).

         4.5     -  Global Natural Resources Inc. 1989 Key Employees Stock
                    Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
                    Registration Statement of Global Natural Resources Inc. on 
                    Form S-8 (File No. 33-31537)).

         4.6     -  Global Natural Resources Inc. 1992 Stock Option Plan 
                    (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration
                    Statement of Global Natural Resources Inc. on Form S-8 
                    (File No. 33-62106)).

         5.1     -  Opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. regarding legality.

        23.1     -  Consent of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. (set forth in Exhibit
                    5.1).

        23.2     -  Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.

        23.3     -  Consent of Price Waterhouse.

        23.4     -  Consent of Ryder Scott Company, independent petroleum
                    engineers.

        23.5     -  Consent of DeGolyer and MacNaughton, independent consulting
                    petroleum engineers.

        23.6     -  Consent of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc.,
                    independent consulting petroleum engineers.

        24.1     -  Powers of Attorney (set forth in signature page).


                                  UNDERTAKINGS

         The Registrant hereby undertakes:

         (1)     To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

                 (a)      To include any prospectus required by Section
         10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;

                 (b)      To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events
         arising after the effective date of this Registration Statement (or
         the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually
         or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information
         set forth in this Registration Statement;

                 (c)      To include any material information with respect to
         the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this Registration
         Statement or any material change to such information in this
         Registration Statement;

provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(a) and (1)(b) do not apply if the
information required to be included in a post- effective amendment by those
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by
reference in this Registration Statement.

         (2)     That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.

         (3)     To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.

         (4)     That, for the purposes of determining any liability under the
Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to
Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each
filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of
the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in this Registration
Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

         (5)     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons
of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
Registrant has been 





                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5
advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or
paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
        





                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6
                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets
all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas, on the 1st day of
October, 1996.

                                         SEAGULL ENERGY CORPORATION
                                         
                                         By:   /s/  BARRY J. GALT 
                                            ------------------------------------
                                               Barry J. Galt
                                               Chairman of the Board, President
                                               and Chief Executive Officer

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

         Each person whose signature appears below appoints Barry J. Galt and
William L. Transier, and both of them, either of whom may act without the
joinder of the other, as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him, and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this registration, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and all other documents in connection therewith, with the
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could
do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact
and agent or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Signature                            Title                                Date
 ---------                            -----                                ----

 <S>                                  <C>                                            <C>
 /s/ J. EVANS ATTWELL                 Director                                       October 1, 1996
 -------------------------------                                                            
    (J. Evans Attwell)

 /s/ RODNEY W. BRIDGES                Vice President and Controller                  October 1, 1996
 -------------------------------         (Principal Accounting Officer)                                                  
    (Rodney W. Bridges)                  

 /s/ RICHARD J. BURGESS               Director                                       September 27, 1996
 -------------------------------                                                             
    (Richard J. Burgess)

 /s/ THOMAS S. CRUIKSHANK             Director                                       October 1, 1996
 -------------------------------                                                                 
    (Thomas S. Cruikshank)

 /s/ JOHN W. ELIAS                    Executive Vice President and                   October 1, 1996
 -------------------------------         Director                                                     
    (John W. Elias)

 /s/ PETER J. FLUOR                   Director                                       October 1, 1996
 -------------------------------                                                         
    (Peter J. Fluor)

 /s/ BARRY J. GALT                    Chairman of the Board,                         October 1, 1996
 -------------------------------         President, Chief Executive                        
    (Barry J. Galt)                      Officer and Director         
                                         (Principal Executive Officer)
                                                                      

 /s/ WILLIAM R. GRANT                 Director                                       October 1, 1996
--------------------------------                                                            
    (William R. Grant)

 /s/ DEAN P. GUERIN                   Director                                       October 1, 1996
 -------------------------------
    (Dean P. Guerin)

 /s/ RICHARD M. MORROW                Director                                       October 1, 1996
 -------------------------------                                                                
    (Richard M. Morrow)

</TABLE>





                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7
<TABLE>
 <S>                                  <C>                                            <C>
 /s/ DEE S. OSBORNE                   Director                                       October 1, 1996
 ---------------------------------                                                         
    (Dee S. Osborne)

 /s/ SAM F. SEGNAR                    Director                                       October 1, 1996
 ---------------------------------                                                         
    (Sam F. Segnar)

 /s/ WILLIAM L. TRANSIER              Senior Vice President and                      October 1, 1996
 ----------------------------            Chief Financial Officer                           
    (William L. Transier)                (Principal Financial Officer)
</TABLE>





                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                       Sequentially
                                                                                                         Numbered
    Exhibit Number                            Description                                                   Page
    --------------                            -----------                                                   ----
         <S>              <C>
         4.1              Articles of Incorporation of Registrant, as amended, including
                          Articles of Amendment filed May 12, 1988, May 21, 1991, and May 21,
                          1993 with the Secretary of State of the State of Texas, that certain
                          Statement of Relative Rights and Preferences related to the
                          designation and issuance of Registrant's $2.25 Convertible
                          Exchangeable Preferred Stock, Series A, filed August 6, 1986 with the
                          Secretary of State of the State of Texas and that certain Statement
                          of Resolution Establishing Series of Shares of Series B Junior
                          Participating Preferred Stock of Registrant filed March 21, 1989 with
                          the Secretary of State of the State of Texas (incorporated by
                          reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Quarterly Report of Seagull Energy
                          Corporation on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1993).

         4.2              Bylaws of Registrant, as amended through March 17, 1995 (incorporated
                          by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Quarterly Report of Seagull Energy
                          Corporation on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1995).

         4.3              Rights Agreement dated as of March 17, 1989 between Seagull Energy
                          Corporation and NCNB Texas National Bank, as Rights Agent, which
                          includes the form of Statement of Resolution setting forth the terms
                          of the Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $1.00
                          per share, as Exhibit A, the form of Right Certificate as Exhibit B
                          and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Preferred Shares as Exhibit C
                          (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to Quarterly Report of
                          Seagull Energy Corporation on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
                          June 30, 1993).

         4.4              First Amendment to Right Agreement by and between Seagull Energy
                          Corporation and NationsBank of Texas, N.A. (Formerly NCNB Texas
                          National Bank) dated as of June 18, 1992 (incorporated by reference
                          to Exhibit 3.4 to Registration Statement of Seagull Energy
                          Corporation on Form S-3 (File No. 33-55426)).


         4.5              Global Natural Resources Inc. 1989 Key Employees Stock Option Plan
                          (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement of
                          Global Natural Resources Inc. on Form S-8 (File No. 33-31537)).

         4.6              Global Natural Resources Inc. 1992 Stock Option Plan (incorporated 
                          by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement of Global Natural 
                          Resources Inc. on Form S-8 (File No. 33-62106)).

         5.1              Opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. regarding legality.

         23.1             Consent of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. (set forth in Exhibit 5.1).

         23.2             Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.

         23.3             Consent of Price Waterhouse.

         23.4             Consent of Ryder Scott Company, independent petroleum engineers.

         23.5             Consent of DeGolyer and MacNaughton, independent consulting petroleum
                          engineers.

         23.6             Consent of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., independent
                          consulting petroleum engineers.

         24.1             Powers of Attorney (set forth in signature page).

</TABLE>





                                      -8-
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{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "SEAGULL ENERGY CORP", "cik": "0000320321", "assigned-sic": "4923", "irs-number": "741764876", "state-of-incorporation": "TX", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-13393", "film-number": "96639053"}, "business-address": {"street1": "1001 FANNIN STE 1700", "street2": "1001 FIRST CITY TOWER", "city": "HOUSTON", "state": "TX", "zip": "77002-6714", "phone": "7139514700"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "1001 FANNIN, SUITE 1700", "street2": "1001 FIRST CITY TOWER", "city": "HOUSTON", "state": "TX", "zip": "77002-6714"}, "former-company": {"former-conformed-name": "SEAGULL PIPELINE CORP", "date-changed": "19830815"}}
1

    AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 3, 1996

                                                  Registration No. 333-
================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                               _________________

                                    FORM S-8
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                               _________________

                           SEAGULL ENERGY CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

             TEXAS                                              74-1764876
(State or other jurisdiction of                               (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                              Identification No.)
                 
                                  1001 FANNIN
                                   SUITE 1700
                           HOUSTON, TEXAS  77002-6714
          (Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
                              ____________________

       GLOBAL NATURAL RESOURCES INC. 1989 KEY EMPLOYEES STOCK OPTION PLAN
              GLOBAL NATURAL RESOURCES INC. 1992 STOCK OPTION PLAN
                            (Full title of the plan)

                              WILLIAM L. TRANSIER
               SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
                           SEAGULL ENERGY CORPORATION
                            1001 FANNIN, SUITE 1700
                           HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002-6714
                    (Name and address of agent for service)

                                 (713) 951-4700
         (Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

                                    Copy to:

                                 J. MARK METTS
                             VINSON & ELKINS L.L.P.
                             2300 FIRST CITY TOWER
                           HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002-6760

                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
========================================================================================================================
       Title of             Amount to be           Proposed maximum          Proposed maximum            Amount of
   securities to be          registered             offering price               aggregate            registration fee
      registered                                     per share (1)          offering price (1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock,
  $.10 par value (2)       2,469,984 shares             $13.373                 $33,030,711               $10,010
========================================================================================================================
(1) Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee, in
    accordance with Rule 457(h), on the basis of (i) the weighted average 
    price of $8.51 per share at which outstanding Global Natural Resources Inc. 
    Stock Options ("Global Options") may be exercised, for the 1,377,068 
    Global Options for which such price is known, and (ii) the price of 
    securities of the same class, as determined in accordance with Rule 457(c),
    using the average of the high and low prices reported on the New York 
    Stock Exchange of $19.50 per share for Registrant's Common Stock on 
    September 26, 1996, for the 1,092,916 Global Options for  which a price is 
    not known.
        
(2) This Registration Statement also pertains to rights to purchase shares of
    Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock of the Registrant.  One right
    is attached to and trades with each share of Registrant's Common Stock.
    Until the occurrence of certain events, the rights are not exercisable and
    will not be evidenced or transferred apart from the Registrant's Common
    Stock.  Any value attributable to such rights is reflected in the market
    price of Registrant's Common Stock.
                              _________________

================================================================================
2
                                    PART II
               INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT

ITEM 3.      INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE.

    The following documents, which have been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission") by Seagull Energy Corporation (Exchange
Act Registration No. 1-8094), a Texas corporation (the "Registrant"), are
incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof:

         (a)     Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
                 31, 1995;

         (b)     Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended 
                 March 31, 1996 and June 30, 1996;

         (c)     Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August
                 28, 1996, including the financial statements of Esso Suez Inc.
                 filed as Exhibit 99.1 to such Current Report;

         (d)     the description of Registrant's Common Stock contained in the
                 Registration Statement on Form 8-A declared effective by the
                 Commission on January 30, 1981, together with the amendments
                 on Form 8 filed with the Commission on January 29, 1981,
                 January 30, 1981 and October 28, 1991; and

         (e)     the description of Registrant's Series B Junior Participating
                 Preferred Stock and related rights contained in the
                 Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Commission
                 on March 17, 1989.

    All documents filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14
and 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the effective date of this
Registration Statement, prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment to
this Registration Statement indicating that all securities offered hereby have
been sold or deregistering all securities then remaining unsold, shall be
deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and to be a part hereof from the
date of filing of such documents.  Any statement contained herein or in any
document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be
deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement
to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently
filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference
herein modifies or supersedes such statement.  Any such statement so modified
or superseded shall not be deemed to constitute a part of this Registration
Statement, except as so modified or superseded.

ITEM 4.      DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES.

    Not applicable.

ITEM 5.      INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL.

    None.

ITEM 6.      INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

    Article 2.02-1 of the Texas Business Corporation Act provides that any
director or officer of a Texas corporation may be indemnified against
judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually
incurred by him in connection with or in defending any action, suit or
proceeding in which he is a party by reason of his position.  With respect to
any proceeding arising from actions taken in his official capacity, as a
director or officer, he may be indemnified so long as it shall be determined
that he conducted himself in good faith and that he reasonably believed that
such conduct was in the corporation's best interest.  In cases not concerning
conduct in his official capacity as a director or officer, a director or
officer may be indemnified so long as it shall be determined that he conducted
himself in good faith and that he reasonably believed that his conduct was not
opposed to the corporation's best interest.  In the case of any criminal
proceeding, a director or officer may be indemnified if he had no reasonable
cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.  If a director of officer is wholly
successful, on the merits or otherwise, in connection with such a proceeding,
such indemnification is mandatory.

    Article VI of Registrant's Bylaws requires the indemnification of officers
and directors to the fullest extent permitted by the Texas Business Corporation
Act.  Registrant also has policies insuring its officers and directors against
certain liabilities for actions taken in such capacities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act of 1933.

    Reference is made to Article Eleven of the Articles of Incorporation of the
Registrant, which was adopted by Registrant's shareholders on May 11, 1988 and
which provides as follows:

                                      -2-
3
                                "ARTICLE ELEVEN

    A director of the corporation shall not be liable to the corporation or its
    shareholders for monetary damages for an act or omission in the director's
    capacity as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the
    director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its shareholders; (ii) for
    acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct
    or a knowing violation of law; (iii) for any transaction from which the
    director received an improper benefit, whether or not the benefit resulted
    from an action taken within the scope of the director's office; (iv) for
    acts or omissions for which the liability of a director is expressly
    provided for by statute; or (v) for acts related to an unlawful stock
    repurchase or dividend payment.  Any repeal or amendment of this Article by
    the shareholders of the corporation shall be prospective only, and shall
    not adversely affect any limitation on the liability of a director of the
    corporation existing at the time of such repeal or amendment.  In addition
    to the circumstances in which a director of the corporation is not liable
    as set forth in the preceding sentences, a director shall not be liable to
    the fullest extent permitted by any provision of the statutes of Texas
    hereafter enacted that further limits the liability of a director."

    Effective as of August 28, 1989, Article 7.06.B of the Texas Miscellaneous
Corporation Laws Act was amended to read in its entirety as follows:

         "B. The articles of incorporation of a corporation may provide that a
    director of the corporation shall not be liable, or shall be liable only to
    the extent provided in the articles of incorporation, to the corporation or
    its shareholders or members for monetary damages for an act or mission in
    the director's capacity as a director, except that this article does not
    authorize the elimination or limitation of the liability of a director to
    the extent the director is found liable for:

             (1) a breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation
         or its shareholders or members;

             (2) an act or omission not in good faith that constitutes a breach
         of duty of the director to the corporation or an act or omission that
         involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law;

             (3) a transaction from which the director received an improper
         benefit, whether or not the benefit resulted from an action taken
         within the scope of the director's office; or

             (4) an act or omission for which the liability of a director is
         expressly provided for by an applicable statute."

ITEM 7.      EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED.

    Not applicable.

ITEM 8.      EXHIBITS.

    Unless otherwise indicated below as being incorporated by reference to
another filing of the Registrant with the Commission, each of the following
exhibits is filed herewith:

         4.1     -  Articles of Incorporation of Seagull Energy Corporation, as
                    amended, including Articles of Amendment filed May 12,
                    1988, May 21, 1991, and May 21, 1993 with the Secretary of
                    State of the State of Texas, that certain Statement of
                    Relative Rights and Preferences related to the designation
                    and issuance of Registrant's $2.25 Convertible Exchangeable
                    Preferred Stock, Series A, filed August 6, 1986 with the
                    Secretary of State of the State of Texas and that certain
                    Statement of Resolution Establishing Series of Shares of
                    Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock of Registrant
                    filed March 21, 1989 with the Secretary of State of the
                    State of Texas (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to
                    Quarterly Report of Seagull Energy Corporation on Form 10-Q
                    for the quarter ended June 30, 1993).

         4.2     -  Bylaws of Registrant, as amended through March 17, 1995
                    (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Quarterly
                    Report of Seagull Energy Corporation on Form 10-Q for the
                    quarter ended March 31, 1995).

         4.3     -  Rights Agreement dated as of March 17, 1989 between Seagull
                    Energy Corporation and NCNB Texas National Bank, as Rights
                    Agent, which includes the form of Statement of Resolution
                    setting forth the terms of the Series B Junior
                    Participating Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share,
                    as Exhibit A, the form of Right Certificate as Exhibit B
                    and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Preferred Shares as
                    Exhibit C (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to
                    Quarterly Report of Seagull Energy Corporation on Form 10-Q
                    for the quarter ended June 30, 1993).

         4.4     -  First Amendment to Right Agreement by and between Seagull
                    Energy Corporation and NationsBank of Texas, N.A. (Formerly
                    NCNB Texas National Bank) dated as of June 18, 1992
                    (incorporated by

                                      -3-
4
                    reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Registration Statement of 
                    Seagull Energy Corporation on Form S-3 (File No. 33-55426)).

         4.5     -  Global Natural Resources Inc. 1989 Key Employees Stock
                    Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
                    Registration Statement of Global Natural Resources Inc. on 
                    Form S-8 (File No. 33-31537)).

         4.6     -  Global Natural Resources Inc. 1992 Stock Option Plan 
                    (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration
                    Statement of Global Natural Resources Inc. on Form S-8 
                    (File No. 33-62106)).

         5.1     -  Opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. regarding legality.

        23.1     -  Consent of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. (set forth in Exhibit
                    5.1).

        23.2     -  Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.

        23.3     -  Consent of Price Waterhouse.

        23.4     -  Consent of Ryder Scott Company, independent petroleum
                    engineers.

        23.5     -  Consent of DeGolyer and MacNaughton, independent consulting
                    petroleum engineers.

        23.6     -  Consent of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc.,
                    independent consulting petroleum engineers.

        24.1     -  Powers of Attorney (set forth in signature page).

                                  UNDERTAKINGS

         The Registrant hereby undertakes:

         (1)     To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

                 (a)      To include any prospectus required by Section
         10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;

                 (b)      To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events
         arising after the effective date of this Registration Statement (or
         the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually
         or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information
         set forth in this Registration Statement;

                 (c)      To include any material information with respect to
         the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this Registration
         Statement or any material change to such information in this
         Registration Statement;

provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(a) and (1)(b) do not apply if the
information required to be included in a post- effective amendment by those
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by
reference in this Registration Statement.

         (2)     That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.

         (3)     To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.

         (4)     That, for the purposes of determining any liability under the
Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to
Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each
filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of
the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in this Registration
Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

         (5)     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons
of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
Registrant has been 

                                      -4-
5
advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or
paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
        

                                      -5-
6
                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets
all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas, on the 1st day of
October, 1996.

                                         SEAGULL ENERGY CORPORATION
                                         
                                         By:   /s/  BARRY J. GALT 
                                            ------------------------------------
                                               Barry J. Galt
                                               Chairman of the Board, President
                                               and Chief Executive Officer

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

         Each person whose signature appears below appoints Barry J. Galt and
William L. Transier, and both of them, either of whom may act without the
joinder of the other, as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him, and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this registration, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and all other documents in connection therewith, with the
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could
do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact
and agent or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
Signature                            Title                                Date
 ---------                            -----                                ----
/s/ J. EVANS ATTWELL                 Director                                       October 1, 1996
 -------------------------------                                                            
    (J. Evans Attwell)

 /s/ RODNEY W. BRIDGES                Vice President and Controller                  October 1, 1996
 -------------------------------         (Principal Accounting Officer)                                                  
    (Rodney W. Bridges)                  

 /s/ RICHARD J. BURGESS               Director                                       September 27, 1996
 -------------------------------                                                             
    (Richard J. Burgess)

 /s/ THOMAS S. CRUIKSHANK             Director                                       October 1, 1996
 -------------------------------                                                                 
    (Thomas S. Cruikshank)

 /s/ JOHN W. ELIAS                    Executive Vice President and                   October 1, 1996
 -------------------------------         Director                                                     
    (John W. Elias)

 /s/ PETER J. FLUOR                   Director                                       October 1, 1996
 -------------------------------                                                         
    (Peter J. Fluor)

 /s/ BARRY J. GALT                    Chairman of the Board,                         October 1, 1996
 -------------------------------         President, Chief Executive                        
    (Barry J. Galt)                      Officer and Director         
                                         (Principal Executive Officer)
                                                                      

 /s/ WILLIAM R. GRANT                 Director                                       October 1, 1996
--------------------------------                                                            
    (William R. Grant)

 /s/ DEAN P. GUERIN                   Director                                       October 1, 1996
 -------------------------------
    (Dean P. Guerin)

 /s/ RICHARD M. MORROW                Director                                       October 1, 1996
 -------------------------------                                                                
    (Richard M. Morrow)
-6-
7
/s/ DEE S. OSBORNE                   Director                                       October 1, 1996
 ---------------------------------                                                         
    (Dee S. Osborne)

 /s/ SAM F. SEGNAR                    Director                                       October 1, 1996
 ---------------------------------                                                         
    (Sam F. Segnar)

 /s/ WILLIAM L. TRANSIER              Senior Vice President and                      October 1, 1996
 ----------------------------            Chief Financial Officer                           
    (William L. Transier)                (Principal Financial Officer)
-7-
8
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
Sequentially
                                                                                                         Numbered
    Exhibit Number                            Description                                                   Page
    --------------                            -----------                                                   ----
4.1              Articles of Incorporation of Registrant, as amended, including
                          Articles of Amendment filed May 12, 1988, May 21, 1991, and May 21,
                          1993 with the Secretary of State of the State of Texas, that certain
                          Statement of Relative Rights and Preferences related to the
                          designation and issuance of Registrant's $2.25 Convertible
                          Exchangeable Preferred Stock, Series A, filed August 6, 1986 with the
                          Secretary of State of the State of Texas and that certain Statement
                          of Resolution Establishing Series of Shares of Series B Junior
                          Participating Preferred Stock of Registrant filed March 21, 1989 with
                          the Secretary of State of the State of Texas (incorporated by
                          reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Quarterly Report of Seagull Energy
                          Corporation on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1993).

         4.2              Bylaws of Registrant, as amended through March 17, 1995 (incorporated
                          by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Quarterly Report of Seagull Energy
                          Corporation on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1995).

         4.3              Rights Agreement dated as of March 17, 1989 between Seagull Energy
                          Corporation and NCNB Texas National Bank, as Rights Agent, which
                          includes the form of Statement of Resolution setting forth the terms
                          of the Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $1.00
                          per share, as Exhibit A, the form of Right Certificate as Exhibit B
                          and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Preferred Shares as Exhibit C
                          (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to Quarterly Report of
                          Seagull Energy Corporation on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
                          June 30, 1993).

         4.4              First Amendment to Right Agreement by and between Seagull Energy
                          Corporation and NationsBank of Texas, N.A. (Formerly NCNB Texas
                          National Bank) dated as of June 18, 1992 (incorporated by reference
                          to Exhibit 3.4 to Registration Statement of Seagull Energy
                          Corporation on Form S-3 (File No. 33-55426)).

         4.5              Global Natural Resources Inc. 1989 Key Employees Stock Option Plan
                          (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement of
                          Global Natural Resources Inc. on Form S-8 (File No. 33-31537)).

         4.6              Global Natural Resources Inc. 1992 Stock Option Plan (incorporated 
                          by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement of Global Natural 
                          Resources Inc. on Form S-8 (File No. 33-62106)).

         5.1              Opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. regarding legality.

         23.1             Consent of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. (set forth in Exhibit 5.1).

         23.2             Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.

         23.3             Consent of Price Waterhouse.

         23.4             Consent of Ryder Scott Company, independent petroleum engineers.

         23.5             Consent of DeGolyer and MacNaughton, independent consulting petroleum
                          engineers.

         23.6             Consent of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., independent
                          consulting petroleum engineers.

         24.1             Powers of Attorney (set forth in signature page).
-8-