SeaWorld, which has been battling continued fallout from CNN's "Blackfish" documentary, has hired Van Scoyoc Assocs. to deal with issues related to the display, research and public education issues involving whales.

The San Diego-based theme park operator on Aug. 13 attributed a drop in second-quarter park attendance on "pressures related to recent media attention surrounding proposed legislation" in California.

That measure, which would have phased out killer whale shows, has been put on hold.

SeaWorld, on Aug. 15, announced plans for a one-of-a-kind whale environment that would greatly expand tank space and give visitors "close and personal encounters" with the mammals.

The facility will open in SeaWorld San Diego in 2018 trailed by similar units in Orlando and San Antonio.

The company also unveiled a $10M program to study threats to killer whale at sea.

SeaWorld spent $620,000 in federal lobbying outlays during the year ended March 31.

OB-C Group, the firm founded by Democratic heavyweight Lawrence O'Brien III, receives a $40K monthly retainer from SeaWorld.