# Environmental pollution in Lake Maracaibo > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/environmental-pollution-in-lake-maracaibo > Updated: 2026-09-21T15:47:51.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. The Fundación Azul Ambientalistas has raised alarms regarding recurring oil spills and gas leaks in the Lake Maracaibo region of Zulia state, Venezuela. Initial reports indicated that hydrocarbons were continuously present on the water's surface near Cabimas, which officials attributed to the reactivation of oil activities and a lack of preventive maintenance on PDVSA's pipeline infrastructure. These incidents have caused significant economic and environmental damage, specifically impacting artisanal fishing families through lost workdays and damage to boats and nets. As the situation progressed, reports highlighted large-scale spills impacting the Valmore Rodríguez municipality. In response to the frequent spills, the foundation has called for immediate containment protocols and greater accountability for restoration funds. They have proposed that 5% of oil royalties be allocated toward the recovery of Lake Maracaibo under strict international supervision. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-21: Lake Maracaibo oil spill reported in Venezuela's Zulia state The NGO Fundación Azul Ambientalistas reported a major oil spill in Venezuela's Lake Maracaibo, threatening marine ecosystems and local fishing communities in Zulia state. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lake-maracaibo-oil-spill-reported-in-venezuelas-zulia-state ### 2026-09-08: Cabimas coast faces recurring oil spills and gas leaks Environmentalists report recurring oil spills and gas leaks in Cabimas, Zulia, impacting Lake Maracaibo and local fishing communities due to infrastructure issues and increased oil activity. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cabimas-coast-faces-recurring-oil-spills-and-gas-leaks --- Cite as: Environmental pollution in Lake Maracaibo. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/environmental-pollution-in-lake-maracaibo