California agency sides with SeaWorld on expansion of killer whale tanks

• Report said newly captured whales would not be allowed in San Diego location
• Environmentalists fear theme park would breed more orcas in larger facility

A state government report released on Friday recommends allowing SeaWorld to expand its killer whale facility at its San Diego park, outraging environmentalists who say the larger tanks could be used to breed more orcas to be kept in captivity.

The staff of the California Coastal Commission made the recommendations before the regulatory board's 8 October meeting where it is scheduled to vote on SeaWorld's permit request for the expansion.