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EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3) and related Prospectus of
The Meridian Resource Corporation for the registration of The Meridian Resource
Corporation debt securities, preferred stock, and common stock, to be filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 19, 2000, and to the
incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February 23, 2000, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements of The Meridian Resource
Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 1999, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Houston, Texas
September 18, 2000
