Camp Open S.E.A.S. (Science, Education and Adaptive Scuba), a pioneering initiative of the nonprofit Barrier Free Divers, is collaborating with acclaimed marine biologist — and winner of “All the Sharks” on Netflix — Chris Malinowski for a one-of-a-kind day of shark science tailored for children with autism and physical disabilities.
On July 30, campers will board a working shark research vessel in Key Largo where they’ll join Malinowski, his team at the Ocean First Institute Shark Lab and the Ocean First Key Largo dive shop to become shark scientists for a day. Participants will engage directly in shark tagging, data collection and marine research alongside some of the leading experts in the field.
This historic collaboration marks the first time a professional shark lab has opened its decks to young people with disabilities for direct, hands-on marine research.
Since 2018, Camp Open S.E.A.S. has brought together children with autism and physical disabilities for a transformative summer program centered around scuba diving, marine science, and environmental stewardship. With professional dive instructors trained in adaptive scuba techniques, campers are introduced to the underwater world in a safe and inclusive setting, joining marine biologists in coral restoration, fish surveys and conservation work throughout the Florida Keys.
This summer’s partnership with Malinowski — widely known as one half of the “Shark Docs” duo, alongside renowned shark scientist Brendan Talwar of Scripps Institute of Oceanography — ushers in a bold new chapter.
“This collaboration is about more than just science — it’s about possibility,” Malinowski said. “We want these incredible young people to see that the ocean belongs to them too. They have a place in its protection and future, and maybe even a career in it.”
Campers will also contribute to coral restoration and reef conservation projects, teaming up with local Florida Keys nonprofits to plant coral, conduct fish surveys and deepen their understanding of ocean ecosystems.
“This kind of access opens doors that many of these kids never thought existed,” said Rosemary Ciotti, president of Barrier Free Divers and co-founder of Camp Open S.E.A.S. “By integrating adaptive diving with real-world science, Camp Open S.E.A.S. gives our campers the chance to experience the ocean not just as visitors, but as future marine scientists and advocates.”
The initiative highlights a growing movement to open the field of marine science to people of all abilities, proving that physical or intellectual differences are not barriers, but strengths, in the fight to protect our oceans.
Malinowski’s team at the Ocean First Institute Shark Lab is committed to breaking down barriers in marine science. By welcoming a group of adaptive scuba divers and neurodiverse campers onto their research vessel, they are helping redefine who belongs in science — and who gets to protect the ocean.
