What Happens When You Feed Wild Killer Whales?

What happens when you feed a wild killer whale? A whale watching marine biologist in Monterey found this out the hard way, in a case that has dragged on for more than ten years. Earlier this week, Nancy Black pleaded guilty to "chumming" for killer whales in the wild.

The killer whale, also known as Orca, is actually not a whale, but the world's largest dolphin. It can weigh up to six tons. Its diet consists of seals, sea lions, and even small whales, among other sea creatures. Types of actual whales sighted in Monterey Bay include Blue whales, Grey whales, and Humpback whales.

Chumming refers to luring wild animals by throwing chum (bait made from fish parts) into the water. Black seems to have threaded rope through the blubber of a grey whale, and tossed it off the side of boat to entice Orcas. Maybe she was just trying to get a good photo?

Black would know, being a marine biologist with a whale watching business, that chumming is a gigantic no-no for so many reasons. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, animals who are hand fed forget how to hunt for themselves. For another thing, chumming causes wild animals to lose their natural (and extremely helpful!) fear of humans. Risk of poisoning poses yet another problem to these animals. Then there's also a risk to people, as marine mammals tend to become aggressive when expecting food. Prosecutor Christopher Hale, who made these points, still had to admit that he had never heard of an Orca attacking anyone, but that chumming is still dangerous for all the reasons listed.

Black, who operates Monterey Bay Whale Watch, was convicted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, fined $12,500, and sentenced to three years probation. In addition, she is required to perform 300 hours of community service. The Marine Mammal Protection Act declares, among other things, that marine mammals in the wild must not be fed by humans.

Still, the backlash was highly negative regarding what many people saw as the heavy handed prosecution of Nancy Black. Some of Black's friends were sympathetic. Others scorned her.

The work of Nancy Black has appeared on PBS, Animal Planet, and National Geographic. The footage of her transgression was shot by Jean Michel Cousteau, the son of Jacque Cousteau, who never would have approved of this. But Jean Michel had also tried to entice Orcas, and in the very same way. As a result, he was forced to forfeit his boat, the Manfish. 

Black was originally charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors, which could have added up to a lengthy prison term of about 27 years, and around $700,000 in fines.

Black claimed to be merely a marine biologist doing a research study on the feeding habits of the killer whale. We're sure it's just a coincidence, but she is also a businesswoman with a company called Monterey Bay Whale Watch. Wouldn't it be nice to see a whale, close-up?

In any case and whatever her motives were, one would expect a marine biologist to know better.