Because of lionfish’s venomous spines it is not yet a commercial product of the fishing industry internationally, but it’s a venture being worked on. However in some Caribbean ports, the firm pure white meat of the lionfish sells for $50 a pound.

A Mathews family is doing its part to help. Jay and Lisa White and their sons Dylan and Ryan are divers. They have met the lionfish, captured it with a spear, cleaned it, and then enjoyed it as an entree.

Lisa and Jay own and operate East River Construction, Inc., out of Richmond. In 2001 they decided Mathews was the place to be and built their home on Woodas Creek. Be...