A remarkable discovery, estimated to be worth around £4,000, has been found washed up on a beach in Blackpool. The unexpected find was made by a walker during a visit to the seaside. The discoverer, Chevaun Hands, captured a photo of the unusual sight – a heap of seaweed and shells – and turned to social media, specifically Facebook, seeking assistance in identifying the mysterious objects. After receiving several responses, it was confirmed that the shells were gooseneck barnacles.
Gooseneck barnacles are a rare species highly prized in countries such as Portugal and Spain as a delicacy. While these creatures are not commonly found in UK waters, they are known to occasionally wash up on British shores after storms. A similar occurrence took place in 2022 when a comparable collection of barnacles was discovered on a beach in Gwynedd, with an estimated value of £4,000. The Wildlife Trust explains that barnacles are a type of crustacean, closely related to crabs and lobsters.
These gooseneck barnacles feed by filtering plankton and detritus from the water using their specialized legs. They typically grow in dense clusters on flotsam, with their distinctive chalky white shells attached to objects by a fleshy black stalk known as a peduncle. Compared to their similar counterpart, the buoy barnacle, which floats attached to a self-made spongy ‘buoy’, gooseneck barnacles are unique in their appearance and feeding habits. The buoy barnacle is identifiable by its pale purple hue.
Historically, there was a fascinating belief that barnacle geese were born from goose barnacles, adding to the mystique surrounding these creatures. The discovery of two barnacle geese in Scotland stirred curiosity about their origins as no one had ever witnessed a barnacle goose nest or egg. Despite their intriguing characteristics and value in other cultures, gooseneck barnacles can also be purchased online fresh for approximately £80-90 per kilo, or at a lower price if frozen.
The unearthing of this substantial haul of gooseneck barnacles on the Blackpool beach offers a rare glimpse into the wonders of marine life and the mysteries of the ocean. The unexpected appearance of these valuable creatures serves as a reminder of the diverse ecosystems that exist beneath the waves. As people continue to explore and enjoy coastal areas, such extraordinary findings highlight the importance of preserving and protecting these environments for future generations to marvel at and appreciate. In a world where nature constantly surprises us, the discovery of these gooseneck barnacles is a welcome reminder of the beauty and richness of our planet’s biodiversity.