Locales for deep investigations?

SEALABS is a 7-letter word and the answer to the crossword clue "Locales for deep investigations?" The question mark is a signal from the puzzle constructor that this clue involves a pun, double meaning, or lateral wordplay. Rather than defining SEALABS directly, the clue approaches the answer from an unexpected angle. When you see a question mark at the end of a clue, resist the obvious reading and look for the twist.

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