EXHIBIT 23.1

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No.333-86788) pertaining to the Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan,
1990 Stock Option Plan, 1994 Executive Officer Warrants and 1993 Non-Employee
Director Stock Options Plan and in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No.
333-40009) pertaining to the Texas Meridian Resources Corporation 1997 Long-Term
Incentive Plan,[Texas Meridian Resources Coprporation 1997 Long-term Incentive
Plan] Cairn Energy USA, Inc. 1993 Stock Option Plan, As Amended,[and Cairn
Energy USA, Inc. Directors Stock Option Plan, As Amended,] of The Meridian
Resource Corporation of our report dated March 10, 1998, except for Note 7, as
to which the date is March 27, 1998, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of The Meridian Resource Corporation included in the Annual Report
(Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1997.

Houston, Texas
March 28, 1998