You note that "it’s easier for our collective conscience to identify with smart, friendly dolphins than other species that aren’t as easily empathized with because they seem less cute or intelligent," and you're absolutely correct. This is just the latest example of what has been called the 'panda principal' going the extra distance for the cute, cuddly-seeming endangered species.

While the study does raise genuine concerns over the – I believe – unexpected, unintended consequences of 'dolphin safe' policies, I see it as a call for action … not to do away with such policies, but to adjust them, fine-tune them, re-direct and re-apply them based upon what has been learned since their first application.

Great post … thanks for sharing.