After his diving experience Matt believes that “under the ocean is where God really shows off.” His fascination with the underwater world continues to expand and his interest in Mel Fisher’s discovery of the Atocha led him from his hometown in Minnesota on a trip with Captain Gary Mace of Key Largo’s Conch Republic Divers to visit Mel Fisher’s Treasures in Key West.

Matt was able to meet Kim and Sean Fisher while taking part in a behind the scenes VIP tour of the Fisher’s conservation lab which is not open to the public. The excitement continued when Sean Fisher brought out over a million dollars in gold and emeralds. Matt and his friends took pictures while holding these unique pieces of history to remember the day.

The entire Fisher family and crew are quite impressed with Matt’s perseverance in accomplishing his life goals, which is a trait he shares with Mel Fisher himself. Never give up even when people say it’s impossible.

Information on his website explains, “Matt continues to live life to the fullest, taking steps to create new opportunities for the adaptive scuba community. General support, not allocated for a specific element of Matt's dream, is invested into our endowment to keep Matt's legacy alive perpetually. Annually, funds are administered on Matt's behalf to his charities of choice, thus keeping his name, and passion for the ocean, alive indefinitely. All contributed funds are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. Ocean Opportunity, the 501(c)3 not for profit fiscal sponsor of Diving a Dream, is managing and administering this Trust.”

Mel Fisher’s Treasures would like to thank Matt for sharing his story and encourage the community to get involved in this worthy cause.


For additional information about Matthew Johnston’s story and non-profit endeavor visit: www.divingadream.org