When a dog walker in Gwynedd, North-West Wales, found thousands of white-shelled organisms clinging to a washed-up tree stump, he discovered an “alien-like” bonanza.
According to NorthWalesLive, the mystery creatures were Gooseneck barnacles, a gourmet delicacy that can bring up to £80 per kg.
Dave McGirr was on vacation when he was so taken with what he saw hanging to the 21-foot tree stump that he immediately began photographing it.
He then Googled his findings and was astounded to discover that barnacles were a highly sought after seafood.
Dave explained, “I found out they are Gooseneck barnacles, described as rare ‘alien-like’ sea creatures.”
“They are said to be a delicacy, selling for more than £80 a kilo.”
Someone else uncovered a similar haul encrusted in roughly 2,000 barnacles two years ago, which was estimated to be worth a modest fortune.
Dave didn’t think to try to sell his unusual find and moved on to Snowdonia immediately after taking the photos.
“At the time I posted the photos on Facebook without thinking them particularly newsworthy,” he explained.
He was also concerned about “creating a stampede.”
Rare barnacle species are popular in nations such as Portugal and Spain, where they are known as percebes, with prices reaching up to £300 per kg.
In terms of flavour, they are frequently compared to lobster and clam.
Each barnacle is worth about £2, therefore Dave’s treasure may be worth up to $5,000.
Dave’s images went viral on social media, but many people thought the aliens were from another planet.
One woman exclaimed, “Aliens have landed!!” while others urged him to “get collecting!”
Dave, a retired sales manager from South Staffordshire who visits North Wales on a monthly basis, said he would definitely decline the opportunity to try his findings.
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