A record-breaking lionfish was speared earlier this month in the Florida Keys.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Timothy Blasko was diving at the Tennessee Reef in the Middle Keys on Aug. 6.
Blasko speared a 3.10-pound lionfish that the FWC determined is a new weight record for lionfish caught in the Atlantic Ocean.
Lionfish are an invasive, venomous species that have a potential negative impact on native wildlife and habitat.
The FWC encourages divers, anglers and commercial harvesters to remove lionfish in Florida waters to limit negative impacts to native marine life and ecosystems.
In recent years, more Florida restaurants are now selling lionfish in an effort to create a financial incentive for the commercial fishing industry.
A 3.10-pound #lionfish was harvested in the Keys, setting the weight record for the heaviest lionfish caught in the Atlantic Ocean! https://t.co/nElqTl3jKtpic.twitter.com/SKGMl8howb
— MyFWC (@MyFWC) August 14, 2018