Although reported to be relatively common within its range, no population estimates are available for Peale's dolphin (1) (2) (7). There is also a lack of information on the impacts of the threats to the species, making it difficult to assess its conservation status (1). Peale's dolphin has been heavily exploited since the 1970s for use as crab bait, a practice which is thought to have reduced the species' abundance by the late 1980s (1) (2) (7). Although now banned, the practice still occurs in Chile, although at lower levels than before (1) (4) (7). There is concern that the number of Peale's dolphins taken could lead to problems for the species, especially given its restricted distribution (6). Peale's dolphin is also occasionally entangled and drowned in gillnets, and sometimes caught in anti-predator nets around salmon pens in Chile, although this is thought to occur only at low levels (1) (2) (4) (7). Other potential threats to Peale's dolphin include organochlorine pollution (11), and any threats to the kelp forests on which the species depends (8). Tour operators have also recently begun offering trips to see Peale's dolphins near Punta Arenas in Chile, but no laws exist to regulate this activity or to monitor its potential impacts (7).