AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

Exhibit 10.1

AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     This Amendment to Employment Agreement (the “Amendment”) by and between The Meridian Resource Corporation, a Texas corporation (the “Company”), and Paul D. Ching (the “Executive”) is made and entered into as of June 4, 2009.

RECITALS

     WHEREAS, the Executive is employed by the Company in the capacity of President and Chief Executive Officer under an Employment Agreement dated effective as of December 30, 2008 (the “Employment Agreement”); and

     WHEREAS, the Executive and the Company wish to amend the Employment Agreement in accordance with the provisions of this Amendment.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

      1. Section 1.3 of the Employment Agreement. Section 1.3 of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended and restated to provide as follows:

     “1.3 TERM. This Agreement shall become effective as of December 30, 2008 (the “Effective Date&rdqu