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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 13D/A

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(AMENDMENT NO. 4)

The Meridian Resource Corporation

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(Name of Issuer)

Common Stock, $.01 par value

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(Title of Class of Securities)

58977Q109

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(CUSIP Number)

Stephen J. Paul, Assistant Secretary
Shell Oil Company
910 Louisiana Street
Houston, Texas 77002
(713) 241-4112

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(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person
Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

August 4, 2004

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(Date of Event which Requires Filing of This Statement)

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition which is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of Rule 13d-1(e), 13d-1(f) or 13d-1(g), check the following box. o

Note: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See Rule 13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.

* The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person’s initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (However, see the Notes).

 

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SCHEDULE 13D/A

CUSIP NO. 58977Q109
	1.	Name of Reporting Person: Shell Oil Company			I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only): EIN #13-1299890
	2.	Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group
		(a)	o
		(b)	o	N/A
	3.	SEC Use Only:
	4.	Source of Funds OO
	5.	Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e): o
	6.	Citizenship or Place of Organization: Delaware
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With
			7.	Sole Voting Power: 0
			8.	Shared Voting Power: 0
			9.	Sole Dispositive Power: 0
			10.	Shared Dispositive Power: 0
	11.	Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person: 0
	12.	Check box if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares o
	13.	Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11): 0%
	14.	Type of Reporting Person CO

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SCHEDULE 13D/A

CUSIP NO. 58977Q109
	1.	Name of Reporting Person: SWEPI LP			I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only): EIN #76-0073231
	2.	Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group
		(a)	o
		(b)	o	N/A
	3.	SEC Use Only:
	4.	Source of Funds AF
	5.	Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e): o
	6.	Citizenship or Place of Organization: Delaware
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With
			7.	Sole Voting Power: 0
			8.	Shared Voting Power: 0
			9.	Sole Dispositive Power: 0
			10.	Shared Dispositive Power: 0
	11.	Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person: 0
	12.	Check box if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares o
	13.	Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11): 0%
	14.	Type of Reporting Person PN

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