Privacy

Accuracy, Safeguards And Openness

Ocean Wise has always maintained the privacy of your personal information. As of January 1, 2004, every private sector organization in British Columbia became subject to provincial privacy legislation in the form of PIPA or Bill 38. As a result we have developed more comprehensive measures to ensure accuracy, safeguards and openness in regards to your personal information.

Accuracy: We will take care to ensure that personal information is accurate and complete.
Safeguards: We will protect personal information by making reasonable security arrangements.
Openness: We have developed a Privacy Policy complete with internal Procedures and a Complaint Process.

Ocean Wise is taking every precaution to ensure that your personal information is accurate and up-to-date, and we have security measures in place to protect against loss, misuse or unauthorized disclosure of that information.

Need More Information?

Please view our complete Privacy Policy.

By downloading or using the Whale Report App (the “App”), you agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions. Please read them carefully before using the App.

1) Accuracy, Completeness, and Timeliness of Information

The Whale Report Alert System is designed to provide alerts based on opportunistic whale sightings submitted by users. While we strive for accuracy, Ocean Wise Conservation Association and its affiliates make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the alerts. The absence of an alert does not indicate the absence of whales. Users must remain vigilant and are solely responsible for their actions on the water. Use of the App is at your own risk.

2. Personal Information

Your submission of personal information through the App is governed by our Privacy Policy, which complies with applicable data protection laws, including but not limited to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other relevant international privacy regulations.

3. Location Data

To provide real-time alerts, the App may collect and use your device’s location data when you are logged in and tracking is enabled. These data are anonymized and may be used for internal research to evaluate the effectiveness of the App. Users are advised to start and stop tracking at the beginning and end of each marine operation to limit data collection. You may log out at any time via the main menu.

4. Intended Use

The Whale Report Alert System provides alerts primarily for use by large commercial vessels. Access for other users may be granted on a case-by-case basis. Authorized users may include:

- Environmental consultants acting as Marine Mammal Observers.

- Personnel involved in marine environmental incident response.

- Military personnel conducting marine operations or exercises.

- Marine mammal researchers and conservation researchers/personnel

- Representatives of Indigenous communities or governments

The App is intended solely for the purpose of avoiding cetaceans to minimize physical or acoustic disturbance. It is not to be used for recreational whale watching or any activity that may disturb marine wildlife.

5. Restrictions and Misuse

Unauthorized use or distribution of the App or its data is strictly prohibited. This includes:

- Sharing login credentials.

- Using the App to locate whales for viewing or tourism.

- Publicizing or distributing whale location data to unauthorized individuals or organizations.

Violation of these terms may result in immediate termination of access and potential legal action.

6. Global Compliance

Users are responsible for ensuring their use of the App complies with local laws and regulations in their jurisdiction. Ocean Wise Conservation Association disclaims all liability for use of the App in violation of such laws

Each month Ocean Wise will draw one (1) name from new contacts collected online or at events.