A very important part of species conservation for La Plata dolphins is aerial surveys, which are carried out using aircraft with specially curved windows from which the animals are counted.

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

This allows population declines to be detected immediately, which is extremely important for a better assessment of the species' situation. The results of the aerial counts are shared with the partner institutions involved in the project. Regular aerial counts are important for detecting population fluctuations and developing 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.