Privacy Policy
Last updated: March 6, 2026
Kelpulator ("we", "us", or "our") operates the Kelpulator mobile application (the "App"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our App.
1. Information We Collect
Account Information
When you create an account, we collect your email address, display name, and optional profile photo. We use this to create and manage your Kelpulator account.
Location Data
The App collects GPS location data when you actively mark kelp paddies or fish spots, record drift tracks, or use the map. Location data is used to:
- Record and predict kelp paddy positions
- Display your position on the map
- Provide relevant ocean data for your area
We do not collect location data in the background when the App is not actively in use for these features.
Photos and Voice Memos
When you create field reports, you may attach photos and voice memos. These are uploaded to our servers and shared with the crews you select.
Usage Data
We collect anonymous analytics data about how you use the App (e.g., which features are used, screen views) to improve the product. This data is collected through Firebase Analytics and does not include your location or personal content.
Crash Reports
We collect crash reports via Firebase Crashlytics to identify and fix bugs. These may include device information, operating system version, and app state at the time of the crash.
2. How We Use Your Information
- Drift prediction: Your GPS marks and drift tracks are used to calculate and predict kelp paddy positions.
- Crew sharing: Marks and reports you choose to share are visible to members of the crews you select.
- Account management: Your profile information is displayed to crew members and used for authentication.
- App improvement: Anonymous usage data helps us understand which features are valuable and identify issues.
- Communications: We may use your email to send important service updates. We will not send marketing emails without your consent.
3. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell your personal information. We share your data only in the following circumstances:
- With your crew: Marks and reports you share with a crew are visible to its members.
- Service providers: We use Google Firebase for authentication, database, storage, and analytics. Google's privacy policy applies to these services.
- Legal requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or to protect our rights, safety, or property.
4. Data Storage and Security
Your data is stored on Google Firebase servers in the United States. We use industry-standard security measures including encrypted connections (TLS), Firebase Security Rules, and App Check verification to protect your data.
5. Data Retention and Deletion
We retain your data for as long as your account is active. You can:
- Delete individual marks, reports, and other content at any time within the App.
- Request deletion of your entire account and associated data by contacting us at support@kelpulator.com.
When you delete your account, we will remove your personal data within 30 days. Some anonymized, aggregated data may be retained for analytics purposes.
6. Third-Party Services
The App uses the following third-party services that may collect data:
- Google Firebase (Authentication, Firestore, Cloud Storage, Analytics, Crashlytics, Cloud Messaging)
Ocean data (wind, currents, tides, sea surface temperature) is sourced from public NOAA datasets and does not involve any collection of your personal information.
7. Children's Privacy
Kelpulator is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us at support@kelpulator.com and we will promptly delete it.
8. Your Rights
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate data
- Request deletion of your data
- Object to or restrict processing of your data
- Data portability
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at support@kelpulator.com.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy in the App or on our website with a revised "Last updated" date.
10. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: