Sri Vijaya Puram, May 21: Concerns have been raised over the absence of visible warning systems near the restricted waters surrounding North Sentinel Island, with demands for installation of sea markers and warning buoys to prevent fishermen from unknowingly entering prohibited zones.
Adhir Das Pradhan of Wandoor highlighted the issue, stating that many local fishermen accidentally drift close to the restricted area around North Sentinel Island while venturing out into the sea for fishing activities. According to him, such incidents are largely unintentional and occur because several fishermen are unfamiliar with GPS navigation systems and modern sea-mapping technologies.
He stated that many fishermen rely primarily on traditional fishing knowledge and visual navigation methods while operating in open waters. Due to the absence of clearly visible indicators in the sea, fishermen often remain unaware that they are approaching or entering a prohibited zone near the island.
North Sentinel Island remains one of the most protected and restricted tribal reserve areas in the country. Entry into the area surrounding the island is prohibited under strict regulations intended to protect the indigenous Sentinelese tribe and preserve the isolation of the community. The sensitivity of the protected zone had recently come under national and international focus following the case involving an American YouTuber who was arrested after allegedly entering the prohibited area around the island without authorization earlier this year.
According to the concerns raised, there are currently no visible warning signs, floating markers, or boundary buoys installed in the surrounding sea area to indicate the restricted maritime boundary from a distance. This reportedly creates confusion for fishermen navigating through nearby waters, especially during poor weather conditions or long fishing trips.
Pradhan pointed out that several fishermen reportedly face police questioning, fines and legal complications after unknowingly entering the restricted waters. In many cases, fishermen allegedly realize the mistake only after being intercepted or informed by authorities.
He said the issue could be addressed through preventive measures rather than punitive action. As part of the appeal, he urged the administration and the Fisheries Department to install warning buoys, floating boundary markers or any visible indication system in the sea at a safe distance from the island.
According to the proposal, such markers would help fishermen identify the restricted zone from afar and avoid accidental entry into prohibited waters. The move is also expected to reduce confusion among fishing communities operating in nearby sea routes.
The issue has also highlighted broader concerns regarding marine navigation awareness, enforcement challenges and safety for traditional fishermen operating across remote island waters. Visible sea markers are being viewed as an important step towards preventing unintentional violations while ensuring that protected tribal zones remain safeguarded.
