Privacy Policy · Last updated August 14, 2026
Whale Watch PNW is a free, open-data app that shows real-time cetacean sightings across the Salish Sea and Pacific Northwest. Your privacy is important to us. This policy explains what data is collected and how it is used.
Whale Watch PNW requests access to your device location solely to:
Your location is transmitted to the Whale Watch PNW API server to enable proximity alerts. It is never sold, shared with third parties, or used for advertising. Location data is stored only in memory and is discarded when the server restarts.
If you enable notifications, an Expo push token is generated on your device and sent to the Whale Watch PNW server. This token is used only to deliver whale sighting and low tide alerts. It is never associated with personal information and is discarded when the server restarts.
If you submit a whale sighting through the app, the information you provide (species, location, pod size, and any notes) is forwarded to Acartia, a public citizen-science database. No personal account information is required or collected to submit a report.
Whale sighting data is provided by Acartia, a free citizen-science network. Tide data is provided by NOAA Tides & Currents, a US Government public domain service. Neither service receives your personal data through this app.
Whale Watch PNW does not knowingly collect data from children under 13.
If this policy changes materially, the updated date at the top of this page will reflect the revision.
Questions? Email us at [email protected].