Economic & Ecological Importance: Like other species of barnacles, B. eburneus poses an economic threat to several marine-associated industries. Adults and juveniles can attach to ship hulls, creating drag and increasing fuel costs. In addition, intakes of marine-cooled nuclear power plants can become fouled, requiring costly removal. In regions where the ivory barnacle is invasive, B. eburneus can alter food webs and have other devastating impacts on local ecosystems. However, in their native habitat, ivory barnacles and their associated fouling organisms can form extensive fouling communities that provide a home and food source for a variety of coastal fishes and invertebrates.