Tracking Web Page Visits to Improve Your Online Experience

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) tracks data associated with Web page visits so that we can continue to improve our service to Canadians.

How it’s Done

DFO uses a web analytics tool to track your visits to each Web page using persistent cookies. Persistent cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer so that certain information is remembered. These cookies track:

• The number of times you visit;
• Your first and last visit;
• When you leave the Web site;
• What site referred you to a given page;
• What key word you used; and/or
• What geographic location you are in.

How it Benefits You

Cookies enable DFO to learn about visitor trends so that we can modify our Web site to better suite your online needs by:

• Determining which subjects are of most interest to visitors;
• Ensuring related information is easily accessible; and
• Understanding routes visitors take to get to our Web site, and how they navigate within our Web site, to ensure logical links are made.

Protecting Your Privacy

The cookies used by the web analytics tool do not gather any specific personal information, such as your name, phone number or email address. In all cases, data is used only in aggregate. You have the option of choosing to not accept cookies by adjusting your browser settings. Please note, however, that disabling cookies will cause some sections of the DFO Web site or Web applications to fail.

For more information about cookies, please visit our frequently asked questions about cookies.