The Holy Turtle launched by sparkling water producer SodaStream International Ltd. is not a sacred reptile but a floating barrier designed to retrieve plastic waste polluting marine waters. The 1,000 ft (304 m) long device is being piloted off the coast of Roatán, Honduras.

Its design, developed by ABBCO in Florida, was inspired by oil spill containment systems and is towed by a pair of boats at either end. Floating waste is collected while large vent holes allow for the passage and protection of marine biota.

The idea for the project stemmed from a 2017 video, shown above, produced by the BBC and documenting the Caribbean awash with plastic waste, coating the surface for miles.

The captured plastic will be placed in an exhibition designed to raise awareness of the problem and to highlight the need to reduce consumption of single-use plastic products.

The Holy Turtle collects plastic waste from the ocean waters without harming marine life as part of a massive cleanup expedition in Honduras. Source: PRNewsfoto / SodaStream International Ltd.