Last updated: November 2025

Welcome to Ocean First (the “Site,” “we,” “our,” or “us”).
Your privacy matters to us. This Privacy & Cookie Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit https://www.ocean-first.org or interact with us online.

By using this website, you agree to the terms described here. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the Site.

We may collect the following types of information:

• Personal Information: Name, email address, and any details you voluntarily submit via contact forms or newsletter sign-ups.
• Usage Data: IP address, browser type, pages visited, and the time and date of your visit.
• Cookies and Tracking Technologies: Small files placed on your device to help us analyze traffic, remember preferences, and improve your experience.

We do not knowingly collect data from children under 16.

We use your information to:

• Respond to inquiries and provide requested information.
• Improve our website’s performance, layout, and accessibility.
• Monitor site usage and visitor trends for analytical purposes.
• Comply with legal obligations and maintain security.

We do not sell or rent your personal information.

If you access our Site from the European Economic Area or the UK, we process personal data under one or more of these lawful bases:

• Consent (for optional cookies, newsletters, etc.)
• Contract (when we respond to your contact request)
• Legal Obligation (for record-keeping and compliance)
• Legitimate Interests (to maintain and secure our website)

We may share data with trusted service providers that help us operate this website, such as:

• Website hosting (GoDaddy)
• Analytics (e.g., Google Analytics)
• Email communication tools (if used for newsletters)

These partners process data only as instructed by us and under confidentiality agreements.

Cookies are small text files stored on your device to enhance site functionality and performance.

Strictly Necessary - Essential for core functionality and security - Session Cookies

Performance & Analytics - Understand visitor usage and traffic patterns - Google Analytics

Functional - Remember preferences such as language or region - Preference cookies

Marketing / Third-Party - Used by embedded content (e.g., YouTube videos, social media widgets)YouTube, Facebook Pixel

You can control or delete cookies through your browser settings.
Visitors from regions where consent is required can manage preferences via our cookie banner.

If you disable cookies, parts of the Site may not function correctly.

We keep personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes described or to comply with legal requirements. Non-essential analytics data may be retained up to 26 months.

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

• Access, correct, or delete your personal data.
• Object to or restrict data processing.
• Withdraw consent at any time (e.g., via cookie settings).
• Lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at info@ocean-first.org.

We take reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure. However, no online platform can be completely secure.

Our Site may include links to third-party websites (e.g., research articles, partner organizations).
We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Review their policies before providing any personal information.

We may update this Privacy & Cookie Policy periodically. Updates will appear on this page with a revised “Last updated” date.

For questions about this Policy or how your data is handled, please contact:

Ocean First
Email: info@ocean-first.org
Website: https://www.ocean-first.org