A very important part of the conservation of La Plata dolphins is the flight counts – Aerial Surveys, which are carried out with aircraft with specially arched windows from which the animals are counted.

These flight counts were conducted along the coast of Uruguay in March and April 2023 and are crucial for determining the population of the La Plata dolphin in Uruguay.

In this way, population declines can be detected immediately, which is of great importance for a better assessment of the situation of the species. The results of the flight counts are exchanged with the partner institutions involved in the project. Regular aerial counts are important to detect population fluctuations and develop new strategies to protect this most endangered dolphin species in South America. A sharp decline, as has already been observed in some populations of the La Plata dolphin further north, must be considered alarming.