Privacy Policy
The Microalgae Project
By East Coast Algae Biosystems Pty Ltd
Last updated: July 2026
East Coast Algae Biosystems Pty Ltd (“ECA”, “we”, “us”, “our”) respects the privacy of schools, teachers and other people who enquire about or participate in The Microalgae Project (“the Project”). This Privacy Policy explains how ECA collects, uses, stores and manages personal information. ECA aims to handle personal information consistently with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles where they apply.
1. What Information We Collect
We may collect:
Teacher and school representative contact details, including name, email address, school name and school address
Information about proposed or participating classes, including subjects, year levels, preferred timing and number of classes
Sample location descriptions, such as “school pond”
Project-related communications and preferences
Feedback or testimonials, where voluntarily provided
Permission choices relating to testimonials, school identification or use of Project material, where provided
The Project does not require ECA to collect student names, home addresses, direct student contact details or sensitive information. Schools should not include student names on sample containers or collection records returned to ECA. Except when the school has chosen to include student information in the returned field data sheets and/or sample vials.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use this information to:
Respond to enquiries and coordinate participation
Receive, examine and process submitted samples
Deliver customised microscopy films and supporting classroom resources
Communicate project updates and logistics
Improve our educational resources and services
Manage payments, delivery records and Project administration
Evaluate the Project and prepare de-identified or aggregated reports
ECA will seek separate permission before publicly identifying a school, teacher or student, or using an identifying testimonial or Project story. See Sections 3 and 5.
3. Image and Data Use
Microscopy films and images include an ECA watermark, name or signature to identify ownership.
The short films may end up on the ECA The Microalgae Project website. Schools must notify ECA if they require the short film not to be placed on the ECA website or any social media.
4. Storage and Retention
ECA stores Project information using Google services, including Google Drive and Google Forms.
ECA takes reasonable steps appropriate to its size and operations to protect personal information from misuse, loss and unauthorised access or disclosure.
Personal information will be retained only for as long as reasonably required for Project administration, delivery, reporting, accounting, legal requirements or the resolution of concerns.
Information that is no longer required will be deleted or de-identified where reasonably practicable.
Microscopy films and images may be retained as part of ECA’s scientific, educational and creative archive.
5. Consent and Permissions
This Privacy Policy explains how ECA handles personal information provided through an enquiry or participation in the Project.
Where ECA seeks to use a school name, testimonial or identifying Project material beyond delivering the Project, ECA will request permission separately.
Schools are responsible for obtaining any approvals, permissions or consents required under their policies or applicable law.
A school may withdraw permission for future optional use by contacting ECA.
6. Access and Correction
You may request access to personal information ECA holds about you or ask for it to be corrected by contacting us. ECA will respond within a reasonable timeframe.
7. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The current version and its last updated date will be published on the ECA website.
8. Contact Us
For questions, access requests or privacy concerns, please contact:
East Coast Algae Biosystems Pty Ltd
steph@ecabiosystems.com