At least 300 fishermen have stopped working due to the scum in Lake Maracaibo

• Workers denounced that the clean-ups carried out on the lake are not sufficient to control the pollution | Photo: EFE

Fishermen and shrimp processors in Zulia state reported that approximately 300 workers have stopped working due to the presence of algae in Lake Maracaibo.

They said that the clean-up work on the lake, promoted by the Ministry of the Environment, is not sufficient to control the pollution.

According to a report by Union Radio On August 15, fishermen and shrimp processors reported that several boats had been affected by the scum in the water. They also reported a bad smell emanating from the lake.

What is verdigris?

The Royal Spanish Academy mentions that the term “verdín” refers to the growth of fungi, lichens or mosses, which form in some waters, especially in stagnant waters, as well as in humid places.

“We have gone to PDVSA (Petróleos de Venezuela) and they tell us that they are going to address the issue but (they have) ignored it (…) They should at least give us the cleanup (of the lake) which is what we want,” said Abimael Zambrano, a fisherman from Maracaibo, in an interview for Union Radio. They assured that this situation It has also spread to several municipalities in the city.

A recurring problem

On August 14, the journalist from Zulia, Lenín Danieri, published on his X account a Complaint about the bad smell caused by pollution in Lake Maracaibo and how it affects nearby residents.

He explained that the “microalgae” that have formed in the lake decompose due to the sun and heat, which produces a “very strong” smell.

However, this phenomenon has been affecting the lake for several years, according to complaints made by various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Clima 21.

One of the reasons for the proliferation of this layer of microorganisms is the oil spill in the area, which causes the water to stagnate and increases the pollution of the lake.

“The increasing presence of continuous leaks and spills is worrying, the information we receive is from the media and local residents, because there are no official figures on the exact number of spills that currently exist,” said Alejandro Álvarez, director of Clima 21 in an interview for Circuito Onda January 30th.

Preventing oil spills

In June, the Environmental Observatory of Venezuela EPA Project, of the NGO Fundaredes, asked the State to implement Policies and actions to prevent oil spills in Lake Maracaibo, as well as improving wastewater treatment.

Photo: EFE

He added that investment should be made in water treatment plants and water quality monitoring, as well as in promoting sustainable practices in industrial and commercial activities operating in the area.

He also confirmed that the preservation of this ecosystem is not only vital for the conservation of biodiversity, but also for the socioeconomic sustainability of the state of Zulia.

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