A staff report for the California Coastal Commission recommends the agency allow SeaWorld to double the size of its orca facility at its San Diego park with certain conditions, including that the company promise to never take killer whales from the wild.
The report released Friday will be sent to the commission's 12-member board, which is set to vote on the request at its meeting Oct. 8 in Long Beach.
The staff recommends setting nine conditions that include not housing any orcas captured in the wild after February 2014.
SeaWorld announced plans last year expand its facility amid public criticism over its treatment of whales.
Tens of thousands of people have written to the commission in opposition, saying the orcas should not be held in captivity at all.
