Following the successful expansion of the TIDES Marine Science Camp in Key Largo, the Ocean First team is proud to introduce the Seby Castellano Memorial Scholarship to support young divers and marine science students.
TIDES Memorial Scholarship Honors Seby Castellano's Legacy in Marine Conservation and Ocean Education
Seby Castellano Memorial Scholarship Announcement
The Seby Castellano Memorial Scholarship will be formally introduced at Dream Weaver Travel’s annual SCUBACON event in Boulder, Colorado.
Students ages 12 to 18 selected for the scholarship will attend the immersive TIDES Marine Science Camp, a week-long program combining:
- SCUBA diving training and certification
- Hands-on marine science education
- Field research and citizen science
- Ocean conservation and ecosystem studies
Ocean First and MarineLab Collaboration
Through a collaboration between Ocean First and MarineLab, TIDES students explore marine ecosystems while learning directly from professional marine biologists and conservation researchers.
Camp participants contribute to real-world research projects while living aboard floating accommodations in a camp-style environment designed to inspire curiosity, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.
Honoring Seby Castellano’s Passion for the Ocean
The scholarship honors Seby Castellano, whose lifelong connection to the ocean began in childhood while exploring the beaches of Southern California and Italy.
He spent much of his life in the water—boogie boarding, body surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving—and developed a deep interest in environmental science and marine conservation.
The 22-year-old tragically passed away during a trip to Indonesia last year, but his passion for ocean exploration continues to inspire the Ocean First community and future marine scientists.
“Seby was very dedicated to ocean adventure, education, and conservation,” said Graham Casden, Founder and Chief Visionary of Ocean First. “His passion for scuba diving, exploration, and shared experiences will live on through these TIDES scholarships.”
TIDES Camp Brings Students Together Nationwide
The TIDES Marine Science Camp brings students from across the United States together to explore ocean ecosystems and marine biology.
Recent camps included participants from Colorado, Florida, Maryland, and Tennessee, highlighting the growing national interest in marine science education and ocean conservation.
How to Apply for the Scholarship
Students and families interested in applying for the Seby Castellano Memorial Scholarship or learning more about the TIDES program can contact Ocean First at: