The University of Otago led research says the effects of an earthquake can last for at least a year.
Sperm whales rely on sound for communication and navigation so large disturbances underwater - such as earthquakes - can cause a raft of issues.
These can include injuries, hearing damage, displacement and behavioural modifications for the whales - and scaring off prey.
After the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake, changes in sperm whales' behaviour lasted for about a year - such as spending 25 percent more time at the surface.
