From 1996-2016, Down Under, Out Yonder (DUOY) was an educator workshop and scuba field experience that introduced educators to the sanctuary, coral reefs, reef fish identification and ocean conservation.
The field experience was a dive trip to the Flower Garden and Stetson banks on a live-aboard dive charter. During the dive trip, workshop participants explored the sanctuary and conducted fish surveys to add to a database of knowledge about which species are present in what quantities.
![Heading of the REEF fish survey form that includes outline images of several reef fish.](/image_library/events/duoy2016/reefsurveyheadermd.jpg)
Workshop participants completed 30 fish surveys and
identified 79 different species during their field experience.
This workshop created a memorable, hands-on experience that educators took back to their classrooms as well as museums, aquariums, and other informal education sites.
![A photo of the entire DUOY 2016 group, including dive leaders, and instructors on the top deck of M/V FLING](/image_library/events/duoy2016/duoy2016groupmd.jpg)
This year's group included educators from Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Colorado, Ohio, Connecticut and California. (Image: FGBNMS)
Workshop funding and coordination were provided
by the Gulf of Mexico Foundation. Workshop instruction and activities were provided by sanctuary staff and guest speakers.
![Five men/women standing arm in arm on the top deck of M/V FLING](/image_library/events/duoy2016/diveleaderskldmd.jpg)
A great group of Dive Leaders helped make this trip successful for participants with varying dive skill levels. (Image: FGBNMS/Drinnen)
For a full range of activities and lesson plans, please visit our
For Teachers page.
Images from the last workshop, held in 2016, can be viewed below. Additional workshop images are also available:
Click on a picture below to see a larger, hi-resolution image
Photo credits: FGBNMS