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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 (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 July 21, 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
July 19, 2000
