HOUSTON, Sept. 2, 2008  -- The Meridian Resource Corporation reported today that it has taken precautions to protect its people, production facilities and rigs from the impact of Hurricane Gustav. Crews operating the drilling rigs and various production facilities in the Company's operating areas of south Louisiana were safely evacuated prior to the arrival of the hurricane. The rigs utilized by the Company in the Weeks Island area of south-central Louisiana were either laid down or mobilized to safe
areas out of the anticipated path of the hurricane for the duration of the storm. Each rig will be placed back into operation pending potential damage assessment of each, and its associated equipment.

All production facilities in the area of the storm, including those at Weeks Island, Ramos and Turtle Bayou filed areas were safely shut-in
effective Saturday, August 30th.

The Company has adequate insurance to cover all damage, in excess of its industry standard deductibles, done to production facilities and other related equipment if any has been affected by the hurricane.

Production will be restored at every facility that the Company's personnel are allowed to re-enter the fields. Initial visits of Weeks Island and East Texas field operations do not indicate any damage to the Company's operated production which is currently being restored. As soon as authorities allow access to other areas of operation, surveys
will be conducted and production restored.