Breeding Ban Is More Bad News For Sea World

(RTTNews) - SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. (SEAS) has received another blow to its business as the California Coastal Commission banned breeding of captive killer whales in San Diego.

The new law means SeaWorld won't be allowed to breed captive orcas, including through artificial insemination, at its California ocean park. However, the ban is not in effect for SeaWorld's facilities in other states.

The latest amendment also bans sale, trade or transfer of captive orcas.

In a statement People from the Ethical Treatment of Animals said, "..the commission's action today ensures that no more orcas will be condemned to a nonlife of loneliness, deprivation, and misery..."

Meanwhile, the commission approved SeaWorld's $100 million plan to expand its tanks which SeaWorld expects will enhance the habitat of the whales and improve research opportunities.

Essentially, this means that the 11 remaining orcas in the California park will get somewhat better living conditions and will be the last orcas held in the park.

SeaWorld's business has come under since the critical 2013 documentary 'Blackfish,' which was about Tilikum, a captive killer whale who dragged a trainer named Dawn Brancheau under the water to her death in his tank at the Orlando park.

He also killed trainer at the now-defunct Sealand of the Pacific in British Columbia and a man trespassing on SeaWorld Orlando's property.

The documentary claims killer whales exhibit increased aggression during captivity. Among other problems, the whales are said to have shorter life spans. The film severely affected the aquatic amusement park's attendance and revenues.