Privacy Policy
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
At Laguna Sea Dwellers Research Institute, we take your privacy seriously. This policy explains what information we collect when you visit lagunaseadwellers.com, why we collect it, and what we do with it. We've written this in plain language because we believe you deserve to understand exactly how your data is handled.
Information We Collect
When you use our website, we collect certain information about you. Here's what we gather and how:
Information You Give Us Directly
Sometimes you choose to share information with us. This happens when you:
- Fill out contact forms or research inquiry forms
- Subscribe to our newsletter or research updates
- Register for events, webinars, or educational programs
- Submit research proposals or collaboration requests
- Participate in surveys or feedback forms
- Send us emails or other messages
The information you provide might include your name, email address, phone number, organization affiliation, research interests, and any other details you choose to share in your messages to us.
Information We Collect Automatically
When you visit our website, we automatically collect some technical information. This includes:
- Your IP address and general location
- Browser type and version
- Operating system
- Pages you visit on our site and how long you stay
- Links you click
- The website you came from before visiting us
- Date and time of your visit
- Device information like screen size and device type
We collect this through standard web technologies like server logs, cookies, and similar tracking tools.
Information from Third Parties
Occasionally, we receive information about you from other sources. This might happen if you interact with us through social media platforms or if you're referred to us by a partner organization. We only accept such information when it's been collected legally and with proper consent.
How We Use Your Information
We don't collect information just for the sake of it. Here's what we actually do with the data we gather:
To Provide Our Services
We use your information to operate our website and deliver the services you request. This includes responding to your inquiries, sending you research materials you've asked for, processing event registrations, and managing your newsletter subscriptions.
To Improve Our Website
The technical data we collect helps us understand how people use our site. We analyze this to fix problems, improve navigation, create better content, and make the overall experience smoother for everyone.
To Communicate With You
If you've given us your contact information, we may use it to:
- Send you updates about our research and discoveries
- Share information about marine conservation efforts
- Notify you about events, programs, and educational opportunities
- Respond to your questions and requests
- Send administrative messages about your account or subscriptions
You can opt out of promotional emails at any time, but we may still need to send you important administrative messages.
For Research and Analysis
As a research institute, we sometimes use aggregated, anonymous data for our own studies about public engagement with marine science. This data cannot identify you personally.
To Comply with Legal Obligations
Sometimes we're required by law to collect, use, or share information. We'll do this when legally necessary, but only to the extent required.
Data Security
We take reasonable steps to protect your information from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration. Here's how:
Our website uses secure HTTPS encryption to protect data transmitted between your browser and our servers. We store data on secure servers with restricted access. Only authorized staff members who need access to perform their jobs can view your personal information.
We regularly update our security practices and software to address new threats. We also work with reputable third-party service providers who maintain strong security standards.
However, we need to be honest: no system is completely secure. While we do our best to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security. If you become aware of any security breach, please contact us immediately at [email protected].
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies. Here's what you need to know:
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help the site remember your preferences and understand how you use it.
Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies: These are necessary for the website to function properly. They enable basic features like page navigation and access to secure areas. The website won't work properly without them.
Analytics Cookies: These help us understand how visitors use our site by collecting anonymous information about page visits, time spent, and navigation patterns.
Functionality Cookies: These remember your preferences and choices to provide a more personalized experience.
Managing Cookies
Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can block or delete cookies, but this might affect how our website works for you. Essential cookies cannot be disabled if you want to use our site.
Third-Party Services
We use some external services to help run our website and operations. These third parties may have access to certain information, but only to perform specific tasks on our behalf.
Services We Use
- Web Hosting: Our website is hosted by a third-party provider who maintains the servers and infrastructure
- Email Services: We use email platforms to send newsletters and communications
- Analytics Tools: We use services like Google Analytics to understand website traffic and user behavior
- Payment Processors: If you make donations or payments, we use secure third-party processors
- Social Media Platforms: We may embed content from platforms like YouTube or integrate social sharing buttons
These third parties have their own privacy policies. We choose providers who respect privacy and maintain good security practices, but we cannot control their policies. We encourage you to review their privacy statements.
Links to Other Websites
Our website contains links to other sites that we find relevant or useful. We're not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. When you leave our website, we encourage you to read the privacy policies of any site you visit.
Your Rights and Choices
You have control over your personal information. Here are your rights:
Access and Correction
You can request to see what personal information we hold about you. If it's inaccurate or incomplete, you can ask us to correct it.
Deletion
You can request that we delete your personal information. We'll comply unless we have a legitimate reason to keep it, such as legal obligations or ongoing research you've consented to participate in.
Opt-Out of Communications
You can unsubscribe from our promotional emails at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email or contacting us directly. This won't affect administrative messages we need to send you.
Data Portability
You can request a copy of your personal information in a common, machine-readable format.
Withdraw Consent
If we're processing your information based on your consent, you can withdraw that consent at any time.
Object to Processing
You can object to certain types of processing, particularly for marketing purposes or when we're relying on legitimate interests as our legal basis.
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [email protected]. We'll respond within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 30 days.
Children's Privacy
Our website is designed for a general audience interested in marine research and conservation. We don't knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you're a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us, and we'll delete it promptly.
International Data Transfers
Our operations are primarily based in our local jurisdiction, but the internet is global. Your information might be transferred to and stored on servers in different countries. When this happens, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information according to this privacy policy.
Data Retention
We keep your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy. The retention period depends on the type of information and why we collected it. When we no longer need your information, we securely delete or anonymize it.
Some information may be retained longer if required by law or for legitimate purposes like research archives, but we'll always comply with applicable data protection regulations.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make significant changes, we'll notify you by posting a notice on our website or sending you an email if we have your contact information.
The effective date at the top of this policy shows when it was last updated. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.
Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this privacy policy or how we handle your personal information, we want to hear from you. You can reach us at:
Laguna Sea Dwellers Research Institute
Email: [email protected]
We'll do our best to respond to your inquiry promptly and address any concerns you may have. Your privacy matters to us, and we're committed to being transparent and responsive.
Your Consent
By using our website, you consent to this privacy policy. If you don't agree with any part of this policy, please don't use our website or provide us with your personal information.
Thank you for trusting Laguna Sea Dwellers Research Institute with your information. We're committed to protecting your privacy while advancing our mission of understanding and protecting marine life.