Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is strongly committed to protecting the privacy of our visitors, donors, members, program participants and all others who interact with us in person and online.
This Privacy Policy discloses how we collect, use and protect the privacy of your information and the choices you have regarding our use of and your ability to correct the information.
Whether you register for an event, sign up to receive communications from us, become a member, make a purchase or donation online, through the mail, or in person, we protect your information in a variety of ways, using industry standard safeguards.
Many people use credit cards for donations and purchases. We protect the security of credit card transactions using a number of measures such as encryption, access controls, network firewalls, and physical security. These measures make it extremely difficult for anyone to intercept the credit card information you send to us.
We do not sell, rent or share a donor’s, member’s or ticket purchaser’s personal information with anyone else, nor will Mote send donor mailings on behalf of other organizations. When we work with other companies to process specific data—credit card transactions and analytics for our online platforms—those companies also use encryption and other security measures and required to abide by our privacy policy.
You always have a choice of whether to provide personal information to Mote. Please note: Some of our services may be unavailable to you without such information. At the time you provide your information, you will be notified of the purpose and use of your information. You have the right to request access to and/or corrections of your data. You also have the right to opt out of Mote communications.
For all questions and requests relating to our Privacy Policy and your data, please write to:
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Community Relations & Communications Department
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34236 at 941-388-4441
Most of the information provided by Mote is offered without our collecting any personally identifiable information from you. In order to maximize your experience and to provide you with enhanced products and services, however, Mote collects personally identifiable information (e.g., name, e-mail address, etc.) and demographic data (e.g., zip code, gender, birth date, interests, etc.) that you voluntarily supply to us. When you make a purchase or sign up for one of our premium services, we will also collect your billing address, phone number, and credit card information. Some examples of instances when we collect personally identifiable information include when you:
- Complete a survey
- Register for a promotion
- Make a purchase from our online store
- Send us an e-mail message
Thus, you have a choice as to whether to provide your personally identifiable information. Although you are not required to disclose any personally identifiable information to us, portions of our site and other specialized services may be unavailable to you without such information.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information you provide in a limited number of ways. We may use the information to service your account, conduct a transaction that you have requested, display information that you request and compile statistics about our users.
How We Share Your Information
Mote does not rent, sell or share personal information about you with other people or nonaffiliated companies except as described below.
We provide you with the opportunity to opt in to receive special offers from Mote. If you opt in, Mote will use your personally identifiable information to inform you of opportunities available from Mote. These opportunities may include, for example, schedules for special programs at Mote or other events related to Mote’s mission.
Third-Party Processors
When you submit your personal information to Mote, it may be shared with a reputable third party (“Third Party Processors”). These Third Party Processors may include, for example, companies that process credit card information or handle shipping for Mote. These Third Party Processors may correct and/or update users’ data based on information we provide them. We may also use Third Party Processors to deliver materials to you via e-mail or the postal service. The data we provide to Third Party Processors is securely stored and maintained by them so that it can be accessed when needed for future purposes. Furthermore, all such Third Party Processors are contractually bound by us to keep the information confidential.
Links to Other Web Sites
Like many web sites on the Internet, Mote links to pages located on Web sites maintained by various other entities that are not be not bound by our Privacy Policy. In some cases you may link to pages of other web sites that are framed with elements of Mote such as in the header or footer. The URL will identify the site you are visiting. We are not responsible for the information collection practices of other web sites. The privacy policies of other organizations may differ from ours, for example, with respect to the level of security, use of cookies, and collection, use and disclosure of personally identifiable information.
Other Limitations on Privacy
Mote may provide personally identifiable information without your permission (i) pursuant to judicial or other government subpoenas, warrants, or orders; (ii) where Mote believes our property or an individual’s safety or security is at risk; iii) if we find that your actions violate our terms of use or iv) where otherwise required by law.
Cookies are small electronic files transferred from our web site to your hard drive. Cookies enable Mote to recognize repeat visitors, track usage behavior and facilitate your access to and use of our site. If you wish, you can choose to have your computer warn you each time a cookie is being sent, or you can choose to turn off all cookies. You can do this by resetting your browser settings. Each browser is somewhat different, so look at your browser’s Help menu to learn the correct way to modify your cookies settings. If you turn cookies off, however, you won’t have access to many of the features which make your experience more efficient and some of our services may not function properly.
Opting-Out, Corrections and Cancellations
In order to receive an offer or promotion from Mote, a user must have chosen to receive it during a registration process. To completely ensure that we have your consent, we make sure that each e-mail we send you presents the additional opportunity to opt-out of receiving future e-mails.
To unsubscribe to any e-mail subscriptions you may click on the unsubscribe link contained in the email or contact us directly at:
Communications Division
Mote Marine Laboratory, Inc.
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34236
