Data Sources & Scientific Integrity
Wrapped In Waves is built on a simple principle:
Real ocean science, used thoughtfully and responsibly.
Many of our designs, including acoustic spectrogram art and QR-linked listening experiences, are created using real scientific datasets collected by researchers and shared for research, education, and public engagement.
This page explains where our data comes from, how it’s used, and how we honour the scientists and institutions behind it.
Primary Data Sources
Ocean Networks Canada (ONC)
Ocean Networks Canada operates world-class, long-term ocean observatories on Canada’s Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic coasts. Their instruments, including underwater hydrophones, continuously record ocean conditions and sound, supporting research on marine life, ecosystems, and human impacts such as underwater noise.
Acoustic data used by Wrapped In Waves have been accessed via ONC’s Oceans 3.0 Data Portal and are used in accordance with ONC’s open data policies.
Additional Datasets & Future Designs
As Wrapped In Waves grows, future designs may incorporate data from other scientific organizations, research programs, and monitoring initiatives, provided that:
- The data are released under Creative Commons licenses (such as CC BY 4.0), or
- Explicit permission has been granted by the data owners for reuse
Each dataset is reviewed individually to ensure that its licensing and terms of use are respected.
Where multiple data sources are used, clear attribution will always be provided alongside the design or on associated product and information pages.
Licensing & Permissions
Most datasets used by Wrapped In Waves are shared under Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) or comparable open licenses.
These licenses allow:
- reuse and sharing
- creation of derivative works (such as spectrograms and visualizations)
- commercial use
Provided that appropriate attribution is given.
Wrapped In Waves complies fully with all applicable licensing and permission requirements.
How the Data Is Used
Scientific datasets are never sold or redistributed as raw data.
Instead, we:
- Create visual interpretations (such as spectrograms) from selected data segments
- Curate short listening excerpts or visual moments for storytelling and education
- Provide QR-linked experiences that add context and deeper understanding
- Clearly credit the original data source and dataset
Each design represents a real moment captured by a scientific instrument, transformed into art while remaining grounded in its scientific origin.
Attribution Practice
Where applicable, attribution appears:
- On product pages
- On QR-linked listening or information pages
- Or within accompanying materials
A typical attribution may read:
Audio and spectrogram derived from scientific data provided by Ocean Networks Canada (CC BY 4.0). Dataset details available via linked source.
When datasets include persistent identifiers (such as DOIs), these are referenced as part of the attribution.
Wrapped In Waves is founded and designed by a marine biologist. This means we take particular care to ensure:
- Scientific information is accurate and responsibly framed
- Data are not misrepresented or sensationalized
- No implication of endorsement by data providers unless explicitly stated
- Respect for both the science and the ecosystems behind the data
Open science works best when it’s used with care, transparency, and curiosity; values that guide every design we create.
Collaboration & Partnerships
Wrapped In Waves is open to collaborations with researchers, institutions, and organizations who are interested in seeing their data transformed into meaningful, science-rooted products.
If you manage or contribute to a dataset and would like to explore:
- Public-facing educational designs
- Artful interpretations of scientific data
- Products that support outreach, engagement, or conservation
We’d love to hear from you.
Learn More
To explore Ocean Networks Canada data directly, visit:
For questions about specific designs, data sources, or collaboration opportunities, please reach out, transparency and dialogue are part of the process.