Lake Maracaibo stands out in a number of ways. Two important ones: at nearly 6,300 square miles (16,320 sq kms), it is Latin America’s largest lake; and as a center of oil extraction and shipping, it ranks among the region’s most polluted. Parts of the lake retain thriving ecosystems that support manatees, freshwater dolphins and an $80 million-per-year shrimp industry. But the lake faces environmental pressure on a variety of fronts—chief among them, petroleum extraction, wastewater discharge and seawater intrusion. The lake drew attention during the general strike staged here last December and January against President Hugo Chávez. Critics cited a rash of oil spills as evidence that Chávez was attempting to restore Venezuelan oil production using inexperienced replacement personnel, but government... [Log in to read more]