Sperm whales are the largest toothed predators on Earth, with complex social structures and cultural traditions. Their welfare is threatened by acoustic pollution, entanglement, and plastic ingestion.
Sperm whale welfare is affected by chronic anthropogenic ocean noise that interferes with their acoustic communication and echolocation — systems fundamental to their social lives and feeding success. Plastic ingestion causes physical blockage of the digestive system, leading to starvation. Ship strikes cause acute physical trauma. The cultural complexity of sperm whale societies means that disruption affects not just individuals but the intergenerational transmission of knowledge that makes pods functionally effective. Addressing ocean plastic pollution, regulating naval sonar use in critical habitats, and implementing ship speed restrictions in key areas directly improve sperm whale welfare.