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                                         Filed by Westport Resources Corporation
                           Pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act of 1933
                                        And deemed filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12
                                          Of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

                                         Subject Company:  Belco Oil & Gas Corp.
                                                 Commission File No.:  001-14256

The following press release was made by Westport Resources Corporation on
August 3, 2001.

WESTPORT RESOURCES CORPORATION TO PARTICIPATE IN COLORADO OIL & GAS ASSOCIATION
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATURAL GAS INVESTMENT FORUM

DENVER, August 3, 2001. Westport Resources Corporation (NYSE:WRC) today
announced that it will make a presentation to the attendees of the Rocky
Mountain Natural Gas Investment Forum sponsored by the Colorado Oil & Gas
Association at 11:15 a.m. (MDT) on Wednesday, August 8, 2001. Donald D. Wolf,
Chairman and CEO, will discuss Westport's 2001 activity and the outlook for
2002. The associated slideshow will be available at approximately 8 a.m. (MDT)
on Wednesday, August 8 on our website at www.westportresourcescorp.com.

Westport is an independent energy company engaged in oil and natural gas
exploitation, acquisition and exploration activities primarily in the Gulf of
Mexico, the Rocky Mountains, Permian/Mid-Continent and the Gulf Coast.

Contact information:  Lon McCain at (303) 573-5404.

This material includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The opinions, forecasts,
projections, guidance or other statements other than statements of historical
fact, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based upon
assumptions that are subject to change and to other risks, especially volatility
in oil or gas prices, and lately availability of services and supplies. Although
the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking
statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will
prove to have been correct. Certain risks and uncertainties inherent in the
Company's business are set forth in the filings of the Company with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Estimates of future financial or operating
performance, provided by the Company, are based on existing market conditions
and engineering and geologic information available at this time. Actual
financial and operating performance may be higher or lower. Future performance
is dependent upon oil and gas prices, exploratory and development drilling
results, engineering and geologic information and changes in market conditions.

INVESTOR NOTICES

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" as defined by the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Such statements are those concerning
Westport's and the combined company's merger and strategic plans, expectations
and objectives for future operations. All statements included in this press
release that address activities, events or developments that Westport expects,
believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking
statements. This includes completion of the proposed merger, reserve estimates,
production, cash flow and EBITDAX estimates, future financial performance and
other matters. These statements are based on certain assumptions made by
Westport based on its experience and perception of historical trends, current
conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are
appropriate in the circumstances. Such statements are subject to a number of
assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of
Westport. Statements regarding future production are subject to all of the risks
and uncertainties normally incident to the exploration for and development and
production of oil and gas. These risks include, but are not limited to,
inflation or lack of availability of goods and services,


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environmental risks, drilling risks and regulatory changes. Investors are
cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and
that actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected
in the forward-looking statements.

Investors and security holders are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus
that is included in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by Westport and
Belco with the SEC in connection with the proposed merger. Investors and
security holders may obtain a free copy of the proxy statement/prospectus and
other documents filed by Westport and Belco with the SEC at the SEC's web site
at www.sec.gov. The proxy statement/prospectus and such other documents relating
to Westport may also be obtained for free from Westport by directing such
request to: Westport Resources Corporation, 410 Seventeenth Street, Suite 2300,
Denver, CO 80202-4436, Attention: Investor Relations; telephone: (303) 573-5404;
e-mail: lmccain@westportog.com.

Westport, its directors, executive officers and certain members of management
and employees may be considered "participants in the solicitation" of proxies
from Westport's shareholders in connection with the merger. Information
regarding such persons and a description of their interests in the merger is
contained in the Registration Statement on Form S-4.