Sperm whales have complex cultures transmitted through generations, making social disruption particularly harmful to their welfare.
The loss of experienced matriarchs from historical whaling eliminated culturally transmitted knowledge that groups depended on for foraging and navigation. Current threats including ship strike and entanglement cause traumatic injury and death. Acoustic disturbance from shipping and sonar disrupts the click communication systems that underpin their social and foraging culture. Cultural animals require protection of both individuals and social structures.