The Pacific goose barnacle (Pollicipes elegans) is a crustacean known for its distinctive stalked appearance and is highly prized as a delicacy, particularly in Spain and Portugal, though it is native to the Pacific coasts of North and Central America. Unlike fish, goose barnacles attach themselves to rocky shorelines in intertidal zones, making their harvest both challenging and dangerous. The primary countries engaged in the commercial and artisanal harvesting of Pacific goose barnacles are Mexico and Peru, where local communities collect them for both domestic consumption and export. In Mexico, particularly along the Baja California Peninsula, the barnacle fishery is regulated to prevent overharvesting, while in Peru, the industry is smaller but growing due to increasing international demand. These countries have developed specialized techniques and regulations to sustainably manage this valuable resource, balancing economic benefits with conservation of rocky shore ecosystems.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.