Website Policies

Privacy Policy for COARES.org

Last updated: 10 May 2025

COARES.org (“we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data when you visit our website or interact with our services.

1. Personal Data Collection

We may collect and process the following types of personal data:

• Information you provide:
  When you subscribe to our newsletter, contact us, or participate in citizen science projects, we may collect your name, email address, and any other information you voluntarily provide.
• Automatically collected information:
  When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information such as your IP address, browser type, device information, and browsing activity through cookies and similar technologies.

2. Cookie Usage & Management

• What are cookies?
  Cookies are small text files placed on your device to help us improve your experience and analyse website usage.
• How we use cookies:
  • To remember your preferences.
  • To analyse website traffic and usage patterns.
  • To enhance website functionality.
• Managing cookies:
  You can control and/or delete cookies as you wish. Most browsers allow you to refuse or accept cookies and to delete them. Please note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

For more information, see our Cookie Policy.

3. Data Storage & Security

• Where we store your data:
  Your personal data is stored securely on servers located within the UK or the European Economic Area (EEA).
• How we protect your data:
  We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to safeguard your data against unauthorised access, loss, or misuse. These include encryption, secure servers, and regular security reviews.
• Data retention:
  We retain your personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law.

4. User Rights & Access

Under UK data protection law, you have the following rights:

• Access:
  You have the right to request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Correction:
  You may request corrections to any inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Erasure:
  You can request the deletion of your personal data, subject to legal requirements.
• Objection & Restriction:
  You may object to or request restrictions on the processing of your personal data.
• Data portability:
  You can request to receive your data in a structured, commonly used format.

To exercise any of these rights, or if you have questions about your data, please contact us at:
admin@coares.org

5. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page and, where appropriate, notified to you by email.

6. Contact

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact:
Email: admin@coares.org

COARES.org is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring a safe online experience. Thank you for trusting us with your information.

Terms of Use for COARES.org

Last updated: 10 May 2025

Welcome to COARES.org (“we”, “us”, or “our”). By accessing or using our website, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms of Use. Please read them carefully.

1. Content Usage Rights

• Personal Use:
  All content on COARES.org, including articles, images, graphics, and downloadable materials, is provided for your personal, non-commercial use only.
• Sharing and Attribution:
  You may share content by linking to our pages or quoting brief excerpts, provided you give clear credit to COARES.org and include a link to the original content.
• Prohibited Uses:
  You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from our content for commercial purposes without our prior written consent.

2. User Conduct Guidelines

By using COARES.org, you agree to:

• Respectful Interaction:
  Engage respectfully with our community and refrain from posting or transmitting any content that is unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, defamatory, obscene, or otherwise objectionable.
• Lawful Use:
  Use the website only for lawful purposes and in a manner that does not infringe the rights of, restrict, or inhibit anyone else’s use of the site.
• No Disruption:
  Not attempt to interfere with the proper functioning of the website, including introducing viruses, malware, or engaging in hacking or other disruptive activities.

3. Account Responsibilities

• Accurate Information:
  If you create an account or subscribe to our services, you must provide accurate and complete information and keep it up to date.
• Account Security:
  You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account.
• Notification:
  Notify us immediately if you suspect any unauthorised use of your account or any other breach of security.

4. Intellectual Property Protection

• Ownership:
  All content, trademarks, logos, and other intellectual property on COARES.org are owned by us or our content partners and are protected by UK and international copyright laws.
• Limited Licence:
  We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable licence to access and use the website for personal, non-commercial purposes, subject to these Terms.
• Infringement:
  If you believe that any content on our website infringes your intellectual property rights, please contact us at admin@coares.org so we can investigate and address your concerns.

5. Changes to These Terms

We reserve the right to update or modify these Terms of Use at any time. Changes will be posted on this page, and your continued use of the site constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

6. Contact

If you have any questions about these Terms of Use, please contact:
Email: admin@coares.org

Accessibility Statement for COARES.org

Last updated: 10 May 2025

COARES.org is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all users, regardless of ability or technology. We strive to provide an inclusive online experience that enables everyone to access our content and participate in our mission.

Accessibility Commitment

We are dedicated to making our website accessible and usable for everyone, including people with disabilities. Our goal is to meet or exceed the requirements of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, and to continually improve the user experience for all visitors.

Website Accessibility Features

To support accessibility, COARES.org incorporates the following features:

• Keyboard Navigation: All website functions can be accessed via keyboard navigation.
• Screen Reader Compatibility: Our site is designed to be compatible with popular screen readers.
• Text Alternatives: Images and non-text content include descriptive alternative text.
• Adjustable Text Size: Users can adjust text size using browser settings or built-in tools.
• Clear Structure: Pages are structured with headings and landmarks for easy navigation.
• Contrast and Readability: We use high-contrast colours and legible fonts to enhance readability.

Alternative Format Availability

If you need information from our website in an alternative format-such as large print, braille, audio, or a different digital format-please contact us. We will do our best to provide the content you need in a timely manner.

Accessibility Feedback Process

We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of COARES.org. If you encounter any barriers or have suggestions for improvement, please let us know:

Email: admin@coares.org

We aim to respond to accessibility feedback within 5 working days and to resolve issues as promptly as possible.

Content Policies

Editorial Guidelines for COARES.org

Fact-Checking Standards

• All content published on COARES.org must be thoroughly fact-checked before publication.
• Information is verified using reputable primary and secondary sources, including peer-reviewed journals, official reports, and recognized scientific organizations.
• Fact-checking follows internationally recognized standards, such as those promoted by the International Fact-Checking Network and the European Fact-Checking Standards Network, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and impartiality.
• Any corrections or updates to published content are clearly indicated and promptly addressed to maintain trust and accountability.

Scientific Accuracy Commitment

• COARES.org is committed to scientific integrity and the highest standards of research reporting.
• Content is reviewed to ensure it reflects current scientific consensus and best practices, referencing established guidelines from organizations such as COPE, ICMJE, and other scientific editorial bodies.
• All scientific claims, data, and recommendations are supported by up-to-date evidence, and original research is clearly distinguished from commentary or opinion.
• Where relevant, content is reviewed by subject matter experts to confirm technical accuracy and relevance to marine conservation and citizen science.

Source Citation Policy

• Every factual statement, statistic, or scientific claim must be accompanied by a clear citation to its original source.
• Sources are cited transparently within the content, following established citation formats to ensure traceability and reader confidence.
• Preference is given to primary sources, such as peer-reviewed articles, government publications, and official datasets. Secondary sources are used only when primary sources are unavailable or impractical.
• When using third-party content, appropriate permissions are obtained, and full credit is given to the original author or publisher.

Content Review Process

• All submissions undergo a structured editorial review process to assess quality, completeness, and scientific validity before publication.
• The process includes:
  • Initial editorial screening for relevance, originality, and adherence to ethical standards.
  • Fact-checking and verification of all claims and data.
  • Expert peer review for technical or scientific articles, where required.
  • Final editorial approval, including checks for clarity, accessibility, and compliance with COARES.org’s mission and values.
• The editorial team documents all stages of the review process for transparency and future reference, ensuring accountability and traceability throughout the publication lifecycle.
• Any conflicts of interest are disclosed, and corrective actions for errors or misconduct are implemented in line with best practices in scientific publishing.

These editorial guidelines ensure COARES.org upholds the highest standards of accuracy, transparency, and scientific integrity, supporting its mission to inform and empower the marine conservation community.

Image & Media Policy for COARES.org

Wildlife Photography Ethics

• Animal Welfare First: Wildlife photography must never endanger, distress, or alter the natural behavior of animals. Photographers must not approach too closely, interfere with routines such as feeding or breeding, or use methods that cause stress, such as flash at night, playback calls, baiting, or lures.
• No Manipulation or Disturbance: It is strictly prohibited to manipulate, handle, or confine animals for photographic purposes. Do not use drones or other devices in ways that disturb wildlife. Photographers must be familiar with the biology and behavior of their subjects and abandon any attempt if signs of stress are observed.
• Respect for Habitats: Stay on marked trails, avoid damaging vegetation, and do not enter restricted or sensitive areas. Locations of rare or threatened species should not be shared to prevent disturbance or poaching; remove GPS data from images if necessary.
• Legal Compliance: All wildlife photography must comply with applicable laws and regulations, including those related to protected species, drone usage, and access permission.

Media Attribution Requirements

• Proper Credit: All images, videos, and media used on COARES.org must be credited to the original creator or copyright holder, unless the work is in the public domain or released under a license that waives attribution.
• Citation Format: Attribution should include the creator’s name, the source (if applicable), and the license type. For example: “Photo by Jane Smith, CC BY 4.0.”
• Third-Party Content: When using third-party content, ensure that all licensing and attribution requirements are strictly followed.

User-Submitted Content Rights

• Submission Terms: By submitting images or media to COARES.org, users grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and share the content on our website and associated platforms, with credit to the creator.
• Ownership: Users retain copyright and ownership of their submitted content.
• Ethical Assurance: Users must confirm that their submissions comply with ethical wildlife photography standards and do not infringe on the rights of others or violate any laws.
• Right to Remove: COARES.org reserves the right to remove any user-submitted content that does not meet our ethical, legal, or quality standards.

Third-Party Content Usage

• Legal and Ethical Use: All third-party images and media must be sourced from reputable providers and used in accordance with their licensing terms. This includes obtaining necessary permissions and providing appropriate credit.
• No Unauthorized Use: Content that is copyrighted or restricted may not be used without explicit permission from the rights holder.
• Due Diligence: Editors and contributors are responsible for verifying the provenance and licensing of all third-party media before publication.

By adhering to these policies, COARES.org ensures that all media content respects wildlife, upholds legal and ethical standards, and gives proper credit to creators and contributors.

Comment & Forum Policy for COARES.org

Community Guidelines

• Inclusive Environment: COARES.org welcomes diverse perspectives and encourages open, constructive participation from all community members.
• Relevance: Comments and forum posts should be relevant to the topic of discussion, marine conservation, citizen science, or related fields.
• No Spam or Promotion: Advertising, self-promotion, or posting irrelevant links and spam is not permitted.

Moderation Process

• Active Moderation: All comments and forum posts are subject to moderation by our editorial team to ensure compliance with these guidelines.
• Pre- and Post-Publication Review: Some comments may be held for review before appearing publicly, while others may be reviewed after posting.
• Enforcement: Posts that violate our guidelines may be edited or removed. Repeated or serious violations may result in temporary or permanent suspension of commenting privileges.
• Reporting: Community members can flag inappropriate content for moderator attention.

Respectful Discussion Standards

• Civility: Treat all participants with respect and courtesy. Personal attacks, harassment, hate speech, or discriminatory remarks will not be tolerated.
• Constructive Criticism: Disagreements should be expressed thoughtfully and with the aim of fostering understanding, not conflict.
• Privacy: Do not share personal information about yourself or others. Respect the privacy of all community members.

Scientific Debate Framework

• Evidence-Based: All claims, especially those related to science, should be supported by evidence and logical reasoning.
• Open Inquiry: Healthy debate and questioning are encouraged, provided they remain respectful and focused on ideas, not individuals.
• Clarity: When presenting scientific arguments, be clear about sources, uncertainties, and the difference between established facts and personal opinions.
• Moderator Guidance: Moderators may intervene to clarify misunderstandings, provide context, or refocus discussions on constructive scientific exchange.

By participating in COARES.org’s comments and forums, you agree to uphold these standards and contribute to a positive, informed, and respectful community.

Financial Policies

Donation Policy for COARES.org

Donation Usage Transparency

• Purposeful Allocation: All donations received by COARES.org are used to support our marine conservation, citizen science, and educational initiatives.
• Clear Reporting: We are committed to transparency. Regular financial summaries and impact reports are published to show how donations are allocated and the outcomes they achieve.
• Administrative Costs: A minimal percentage of donations may be used for essential administrative expenses, with the majority directed toward program delivery and community engagement.

Gift Aid Information

• Eligibility: If you are a UK taxpayer, you may be eligible to increase the value of your donation through Gift Aid at no extra cost to you.
• How to Apply: Donors can opt in to Gift Aid by completing a simple declaration form during the donation process.
• Benefit: Gift Aid allows COARES.org to claim an additional 25p for every £1 donated, helping your support go further.

Corporate Donation Framework

• Partnership Opportunities: COARES.org welcomes donations and sponsorship from businesses committed to environmental responsibility.
• Recognition: Corporate donors may be acknowledged on our website and in selected communications, subject to agreement.
• Ethical Standards: We reserve the right to decline donations from companies whose activities conflict with our values or mission.
• Custom Arrangements: Tailored partnership packages, including project sponsorship and employee engagement opportunities, are available upon request.

Legacy Giving Guidelines

• Leaving a Legacy: Supporters can make a lasting impact by including COARES.org in their will or estate plans.
• How to Give: Legacy gifts may be made as a specific sum, a percentage of your estate, or a particular asset.
• Confidential Support: We offer confidential guidance for supporters considering legacy giving and can provide suggested wording for wills.
• Recognition: Legacy donors may choose to be publicly acknowledged or remain anonymous, according to their wishes.

COARES.org is grateful for all forms of support and is committed to using every donation responsibly and transparently to advance our mission. For questions or further information, please contact us at admin@coares.org.

Affiliate Disclosure for COARES.org

Last updated: 10 May 2025

At COARES.org, we believe in transparency and integrity when it comes to our relationships with commercial partners and the recommendations we make to our community. This Affiliate Disclosure outlines how we handle affiliate links, product recommendations, and commercial partnerships.

Commercial Relationship Transparency

• Clear Identification: Some links and recommendations on COARES.org are affiliate links. This means that if you click on these links and make a purchase or sign up for a service, we may receive a commission or referral fee at no additional cost to you.
• Disclosure Placement: We clearly identify affiliate links and sponsored content within articles, reviews, or resource pages so that our readers are always aware of potential commercial relationships.
• Independence: Our editorial content remains independent and unbiased, regardless of any affiliate partnerships. We do not accept payment in exchange for positive coverage or guaranteed placement.

Product Recommendation Standards

• Thorough Evaluation: We only recommend products, services, or companies that have been thoroughly researched, tested, or reviewed by our editorial team or trusted contributors.
• Relevance: Recommendations are made based on their relevance to marine conservation, citizen science, sustainable tourism, or the interests of our community.
• Honest Opinions: All reviews and recommendations reflect our genuine opinions and findings. We disclose any material connections or incentives received from partners.
• No Endorsement Guarantee: The inclusion of a product or service does not constitute an official endorsement by COARES.org unless explicitly stated.

Commission Structure Explanation

• How It Works: When you use an affiliate link on COARES.org and make a qualifying purchase or sign up for a service, we may earn a commission or referral fee from the provider.
• No Extra Cost: Using affiliate links does not increase the price you pay for a product or service.
• Support for Our Mission: Affiliate commissions help support the operation of COARES.org, including funding our educational content, conservation initiatives, and community engagement efforts.
• Transparency: We do not allow commission potential to influence the objectivity or integrity of our content.

Ethical Partnership Criteria

• Mission Alignment: We only partner with companies, brands, and service providers whose values align with our commitment to environmental responsibility, ethical conduct, and marine conservation.
• Due Diligence: All potential partners are vetted for their environmental practices, reputation, and alignment with our ethical standards.
• Right to Refuse: We reserve the right to decline or discontinue partnerships with organizations whose activities conflict with our mission or community values.
• Ongoing Review: Partnership relationships are regularly reviewed to ensure continued compliance with our ethical criteria.

Thank you for supporting COARES.org. Your trust is important to us, and we are committed to full transparency in all our commercial relationships and recommendations. If you have any questions about our affiliate disclosure or partnerships, please contact us at affiliates@coares.org.

Refund Policy for COARES.org

Last updated: 10 May 2025

COARES.org is committed to providing a positive experience for all supporters, customers, and members. This Refund Policy explains our approach to refunds for shop purchases, event bookings, memberships, and digital products.

Shop Purchase Refunds

• Eligibility: Physical products purchased from our online shop may be returned for a refund within 30 days of delivery, provided they are unused, in original packaging, and in resalable condition.
• Process: To request a refund, please contact our support team with your order details. Once your return is received and inspected, we will notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund.
• Refunds: Approved refunds will be processed to your original payment method within 7 working days of return approval.
• Exclusions: Items that are damaged, used, or not in original condition may not be eligible for a refund.

Event Booking Cancellations

• Cancellation by Attendee: If you need to cancel your event booking, please notify us as soon as possible.
  • Cancellations made more than 14 days before the event will receive a full refund.
  • Cancellations made 7–14 days before the event will receive a 50% refund.
  • Cancellations less than 7 days before the event are non-refundable.
• Event Changes or Cancellations by COARES.org: If we cancel or significantly change an event, you will be offered a full refund or the option to transfer your booking to a future event.

Membership Refund Terms

• Annual Memberships: If you are not satisfied with your membership, you may request a refund within 14 days of purchase, provided you have not used any exclusive member benefits.
• Monthly Memberships: Monthly membership fees are non-refundable, but you may cancel at any time to prevent future charges.
• Partial Refunds: Partial refunds are not available for memberships that have been partially used or for periods already elapsed.

Digital Product Returns

• Eligibility: Refunds for digital products (such as e-books, online courses, or downloads) are only available if you have not accessed or downloaded the product.
• Non-Refundable: Once a digital product has been accessed or downloaded, it is considered delivered and is non-refundable.
• Technical Issues: If you experience technical issues that prevent access to your digital product, please contact us for support. We will work to resolve the issue or provide a refund if the issue cannot be resolved.

Contact Us:
For all refund requests or questions, please email admin@coares.org with your order or booking details. We aim to respond to all refund enquiries within 3 working days.

COARES.org values your support and strives to resolve all refund matters fairly and promptly.