TSER APP - Privacy Policy

Introduction

This privacy policy explains what data the TSER app collects, how it is used, and how it is protected. Its goal is to give a clear, plain-language overview so that anyone—even without a technical background—can understand how their information is handled.

Primary Information Collected

The TSER app gathers details about High Seas Transhipments in the Western and Central Pacific. In simple terms, a “transhipment” is when fishing vessels transfer catch from one ship to another while at sea. The exact data fields you enter (such as vessel identifiers, dates, fish species, quantities, etc.) are documented in the WCPFC’s E-Reporting Standards for High Seas Transhipment Declarations and High Seas Transhipment Notices (adopted December 2018).

• Who enters it: Users (e.g., vessel operators or observers) enter this data into the app.
• How it’s sent: When a user taps “Send to WCPFC” or “Send update to WCPFC,” all entered details go straight to a secure, central database maintained by the WCPFC Secretariat.

How Primary Information Is Used

Once submitted, this data is accessed by:

• The WCPFC Secretariat
• WCPFC Members, Cooperating Non-Members, and Participating Territories (CCMs)

Purpose: To manage, conserve, and sustainably use highly migratory fish stocks (like tuna) in the western and central Pacific Ocean. In other words, the information helps regulators and scientists track where and how much fish is moving at sea, so they can make decisions that keep stocks healthy over the long term.

How Primary Information Is Secured and Shared

The WCPFC follows strict rules to keep your data safe and to control who can see it. All of the following links remain active and take you to the official Commission documents:

• Rules and Procedures for the Protection, Access to, and Dissemination of Data Compiled by the Commission (adopted December 2007) – covers general data protection and sharing rules.
• Rules and Procedures for Protection, Access to, and Dissemination of High Seas Non-Public Domain Data and Information Compiled by the Commission for the Purpose of MCS Activities and Access to and Dissemination of High Seas VMS Data for Scientific Purposes (adopted December 2009) – covers data collected on the high seas and how it can be used for monitoring, control, and scientific research.

In practice, this means:

• All primary data are stored in secure servers managed by the Secretariat.
• Access is granted only to authorized personnel from CCMs and the Secretariat, according to the rules above.
• No data are shared publicly unless specifically allowed under those two policy documents.

Secondary Information Collected

Besides the main transhipment details, the app also gathers information about its own operation. Think of this as “behind the scenes” data:

• Internal Log Files:
  • Whenever you use the app (open it, press buttons, etc.), a log file records basic details like time stamps and actions performed.
  • These logs stay on your device unless you choose to email them to someone (for example, a developer). If you do email the log, it is used only to find and fix any bugs or errors.
• Download Statistics:
  • The Secretariat keeps track of how many times the app is downloaded.
  • This helps WCPFC understand how useful the app is to CCMs, identify needed improvements, and plan any new apps that might support the Commission’s goals.