Privacy Policy
How we protect and use your information
The Aquatic Coleoptera Conservation Trust (ACCT) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your data.
Information We Collect
We collect information you provide when:
- Submitting beetle records or observations
- Subscribing to our newsletter
- Contacting us via email or forms
- Making purchases through our shop
- Participating in events or activities
How We Use Your Information
Your information helps us:
- Process and verify beetle records for scientific research
- Send you relevant updates about water beetle conservation
- Communicate about events, publications, and opportunities
- Improve our services and website functionality
- Fulfill orders and manage memberships
Data Sharing
We may share your biological records with:
- National recording schemes and databases (NBN Atlas, NBDC)
- Local Environmental Records Centres
- Research institutions for conservation purposes
- Government agencies for environmental policy
Personal contact information is never shared without your explicit consent.
Cookies and Website Analytics
Our website uses essential cookies for functionality. We do not use tracking cookies or third-party analytics without your consent. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.
Your Rights Under GDPR
You have the right to:
- Access your personal data
- Correct inaccurate information
- Request deletion of your data
- Object to processing
- Data portability
Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.
Contact Us
For privacy-related queries, contact us at: privacy@waterbeetles.info
This policy was last updated: January 2025
Photography Credits
Acknowledging our talented contributors
ACCT gratefully acknowledges the photographers and institutions who have contributed images to our website and publications. All photographs are used with permission and remain the copyright of their respective owners.
Website Photography
- Dytiscus - Neil Phillips © uk-wildlife.co.uk
- Hydrophilus piceus - Neil Phillips © uk-wildlife.co.uk
- Side on Dytiscus circumflexus - Neil Phillips © uk-wildlife.co.uk
- Diving Dytiscus - Neil Phillips © uk-wildlife.co.uk
- Head on Donacia - Adam Mitchell ©
- Donacia - David Hamilton © (Instagram: @weemadbeasties)
- Surfacing Agabus bipustulatus - Chickena Lurve ©
- Swimming Colymbetes fuscus - Angela Bond ©
Various contributors from the ACCT community, including professional researchers and dedicated citizen scientists.
Beetle photographs and distribution maps courtesy of the Balfour-Browne Club and ACCT members.
Balfour-Browne Club archives and historical documentation from the coleopterist community.
Newsletter & Publication Images
Latissimus newsletter images are contributed by ACCT members, researchers, and collaborating institutions. Full credits are provided within each publication.
Submit Your Images
We welcome high-quality photographs of water beetles, their habitats, and research activities. Contributors retain copyright while granting ACCT usage rights for educational and conservation purposes.
To contribute images: images@waterbeetles.info
Image Usage Rights
Images on this website are protected by copyright. For usage permissions beyond personal reference, please contact us at permissions@waterbeetles.info
If you believe any image has been used inappropriately or without proper attribution, please contact us immediately so we can address the matter.