Privacy Policy

NativeGuide by OpsBuoy LLC · Last updated: March 8, 2026

This Privacy Policy describes how OpsBuoy LLC ("we," "us") collects, uses, and protects information when you use NativeGuide ("the App").

1. Information We Collect

1a. Access Logs

When you enter an access code to use the App, our server logs your IP address, device user agent (browser/device type), and the timestamp of the attempt. This information is used solely to detect unauthorized sharing of access codes and to maintain the security of the access program. Successful logins are also recorded (access code label, device type, IP, timestamp) and retained for up to 90 days. We do not sell or share this data with third parties.

1b. Location Data

If you use the "Find Me" GPS feature, your device's location is used within the App to show your position on the map and calculate distances to reefs, ramps, and other points of interest. Your location is never transmitted to our servers and is not stored beyond your current session.

1c. Camera and Photos (AI Fish ID)

If you use the AI Fish Identification feature, your photo is sent to Google's Gemini API for species identification. We do not store your photos on our servers. Photos are transmitted to Google's API solely to generate an identification result and are subject to Google's Privacy Policy. Camera access is only requested when you initiate a fish ID.

1d. Payment Information (Pro Subscriptions)

If you subscribe to NativeGuide Pro, payment is processed by Stripe. We do not collect or store your credit card number or billing details — these are handled entirely by Stripe and subject to Stripe's Privacy Policy. We store your subscription status (active/cancelled), plan type, and expiration date associated with your access code in our database.

1e. Data You Store Locally

The App stores the following data on your device using your browser's localStorage. This data never leaves your device:

Saved (favorited) reefs, ramps, and fish species
Catch log entries (reef, species, date, size, notes)
Trip plans
Boat size profile
Map style and region preferences
Access validation status and Pro subscription status

2. Third-Party Services

The App uses the following third-party services. When the App requests data from these services, your IP address may be visible to them per their own privacy policies:

Open-Meteo — marine weather and wave forecasts (Terms)
NOAA CO-OPS — tide and water temperature data (U.S. government, public domain)
NOAA Weather API (weather.gov) — hourly forecast data (U.S. government, public domain)
OpenStreetMap / CARTO — map tiles (OSM Copyright)
OpenSeaMap — nautical chart overlay (openseamap.org)
Esri — Ocean and Satellite map tiles
Google Gemini API — AI fish species identification
Stripe — payment processing for Pro subscriptions
Better Stack (Logtail) — server-side logging of access gate attempts for security monitoring

We proxy weather and tide API requests through our own server to protect API keys. These proxied requests do not log or retain any user data beyond standard server logs.

3. Cookies

The App does not use cookies. All user preferences and data are stored in your browser's localStorage on your device.

4. Analytics

We do not use third-party analytics or behavioral tracking services (e.g., Google Analytics). We do not track your in-app behavior.

5. Data Retention

Server-side access logs (IP address, user agent, timestamp) are retained for up to 90 days. Subscription status records are retained for the duration of your subscription plus 90 days. All locally stored user data (catch logs, favorites, trip plans) remains on your device and is never transmitted to us.

6. Children's Privacy

The App is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

7. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated policy at this URL with a new effective date.

8. Contact

Questions about this Privacy Policy? Contact us:
OpsBuoy LLC
950 Promenade St, Ste D #5112
Panama City, FL 32405
opsbuoy.com