Aquarists import about 60,000 lionfish a year from the Indo-Pacific. They're all caught by local divers,
using a number of simple techniques. Suppose these imports from the Philippines, Indonesia, Hawaii and
elsewhere were outlawed, with only lionfish caught in Florida (or an expanded region) being allowed for
sale to aquarists. That would not only reduce the Florida population considerably, but also provide quite a
few local jobs. Politically, it would be a complicated task, and trying to get the Feds to act would be a monumental
effort -- though officials are wringing their hands at the potential destruction of the Florida food fish
industry, not to mention the health of the reefs. Perhaps it would be easier to find a way to get the states
involved. Nonetheless, I'm floating the idea, hoping some environmental group or policy expert will give it
their attention. Given the destruction this fish has brought in the last decade, we don't have much time.