Because sperm whale distribution is so widespread, the animals are likely to be encountered by privately operated vessels, particularly in tropical/temperate, cruising waters. The problems of inexperienced private boat owners encountering and disturbing sperm whales were discussed. In a region where whale watching activities are taking place, managers might consider the local whale population to have a finite capacity to tolerate boat disturbance and good management rules would aim to ensure that this threshold was not exceeded by whale watchers. Any extra disturbance, due for example to recreational boaters, would thus reduce the population's ability to support whale watching. Recreational boaters should be made aware of this and realise that their actions could be threatening the whales and the livelihoods of local operators. They should also be aware that going whale watching with a well-equipped professional operation usually would be more rewarding and cost effective.
The growing need to educate recreational boaters generally about how to behave around whales was recognised. In addition, IT WAS RECOMMENDED that rules for safe and responsible operating around sperm whales should be included in a packet of information distributed by customs or immigration officials and charter companies in whale-watching areas and in regions of high sperm whale abundance.
In the Azores, sperm whales have a substantial cultural significance as a result of the island's historical involvement in sperm whaling. Azoreans learnt this trade from the Yankee whalers in the 19th century , and the last whales were killed in 1987. Traditional whaling has played an important part id Azorean folklore and culture and is often associated with religious festivals. It has been an important part of the Azorean identity. Some elements of traditional whaling operations have become incorporated into the new industry of whale watching.
The historical importance of the Yankee whaling industry in the development of the USA and the prominent position of Melville's Moby Dick in American literature underlies the importance that Americans should attach to this species. This should enhance its interest as a subject of whale watching. P IT IS RECOMMENDED that in guidelines for whale watching, regulatory agencies should take account of the possible significance of sperm whales to local people.