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

These flight counts were conducted along the coast of Uruguay in March and April 2023 and are critical for determining the population of 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 species' situation. The results of the aerial counts are shared with the partner institutions involved in the project. Regular aerial counts are important to detect population fluctuations and to develop new strategies for the protection of this most threatened dolphin species in South America. A strong decline, as already observed in some populations of the La Plata dolphin further north, must be considered alarming.