Pollicipes pollicipes

Pollicipes pollicipes, also known as the goose barnacle, is a type of barnacle that attaches itself to rocks, floating logs, or the bottoms of ships via a leathery stalk. These barnacles are part of the family Lepadidae and are sometimes considered fouling organisms on ships.1

In some countries, barnacles like Pollicipes pollicipes are consumed as food, particularly in Portugal and Spain where they are served in restaurants. They are also known to foul ships and marine installations, increasing drag and weight, which can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and potential corrosion of metals. Methods to prevent or remove barnacles include antifouling paints and sound waves. Historically, there was a myth in the British Isles that geese developed from goose barnacles found on driftwood.2