Nickelodeon's aquatic attraction in the Philippines draws serious backlash

By: Angeli Kakade, Veuer

"If nautical nonsense be something you wish" — Nickelodeon has plans to open an "undersea attraction and resort" on the island of Palawan featuring characters like SpongeBob SquarePants.

But environmentalists aren't thrilled about plans to build the underwater attraction on the island in the Philippines.

The nation's Department of Environment and Natural Resources secretary Gina Lopez said if attraction would "cause the destruction of corals," she'd say "no way."

Learn more about coral bleaching:

A petition to stop the quote "underwater theme park" has also garnered more than 197 thousand signatures.

But Susan Lee, Marketing & Communications Director of the Coral World Park, tells CNN Philippines it isn't a theme park at all, explaining:

"Our plans are to build a resort and attraction, of which we are designing as an undersea attraction with an ocean conservation."

The builder, Coral World Park Undersea Resorts, also clarified that the proposed project wouldn't actually be underwater — with just one facility floating on water.

Well, if they need design tips, they should study the incredible craftsmanship of that little pineapple under the sea that's somehow still standing after nearly 20 years.

RELATED: See the bright and beautiful marine life that lives in coral reefs: