Privacy Policy

About Barrier Tracker

The Barrier Tracker mobile application allows anyone to record river barriers and contribute to improving the protection of freshwater ecosystems. Users can locate and record different types of obstacles in rivers — dams, weirs, locks, culverts and other structures that may block fish migration and the movement of other organisms.

This application was originally developed as part of the AMBER project (Adaptive Management of Barriers in European Rivers), funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 programme (grant agreement No. 689682). It is now maintained and developed by Blue Rivers Foundation.

Data We Collect

Barrier Data

Includes GPS location, date and time of the record, a photograph of the barrier, the type and subtype of barrier, and other optional information. Barrier data does not include personal information and may be made publicly available.

User Data (optional – registered users only)

If you choose to register, the following data is collected:

• Username
• Email address
• Level of experience in identifying barrier features

Your username may be used to credit photographs you submit. We recommend choosing a username that does not reveal your personal identity.

How We Use Your Data

Barrier data submitted through the application is reviewed by the Blue Rivers Foundation team and incorporated into the European Barrier Atlas. This data is used by policymakers, river managers and conservation organisations to improve river connectivity decisions.

User data (name and email) is used solely for the operation of the application and will not be publicly displayed, shared with, or sold to third parties.

Where Data Is Stored

Submitted records are stored in Supabase, a secure cloud database. Verified records are reviewed by the Blue Rivers Foundation team before being incorporated into the Barrier Atlas. All data is managed in accordance with European Union data protection regulations (GDPR).

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Correct inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data
• Restrict or object to processing

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us in writing at info@blueriversfoundation.org.

Permissions Used

• Camera / Photo Gallery — to capture or select photos of barriers
• Location (GPS) — to record the precise location of barriers

These permissions are only used when actively recording a barrier and are never used for tracking or advertising purposes.

Children's Privacy

Barrier Tracker is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. Participation in fieldwork near water by minors should always be supervised by an adult.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Any significant changes will be communicated through the application or via email to registered users. The date at the top of this page reflects the most recent update.