Amsterdam unveils canal bubble barrier to keep plastic out of sea

Invention to block waste, but not boats or wildlife, arrives in Dutch city's famous waterways

The world's first rubbish barrier made entirely from bubbles has been unveiled in Amsterdam in an attempt to catch waste in the city's canals before it reaches the North Sea.

A Dutch start-up and the Amsterdam municipality launched the Great Bubble Barrier, a simple device that channels rubbish - especially small pieces of plastic - to the side of the Westerdok canal where it can be retrieved. Tests have shown it can divert more than 80% of flotsam.