Brown and white, bleached Porites coral hills in sunlit sea water

Coral Damage in Clear Water.

Two distinct hills of Porites coral rise side by side in this underwater footage, creating a dramatic contrast between healthy brown coral and stark white bleached sections. The brown Porites coral on the left appears rounded and bumpy, while the bleached coral on the right forms a similar structure but in a ghostly white, highlighting the effects of bleaching. The clear blue water above shimmers with sunlight with small fish hovering throughout the video frames, adding movement as they swim in and out of the coral formations. Their colorful bodies provide contrast against the monochromatic coral landscape, making the reef appear both vibrant and fragile in the clip.

Steady Underwater Shot of Mounds of Bleached Hard Corals.

Filmed in ultra-high-definition 4K (2160p) and downloadable in HD (1080p) resolutions, this free stock footage offers rich detail and clarity. Available in both landscape (16:9 aspect ratio) and vertical (9:16 aspect ratio) formats, this video is ideal for various uses, from widescreen presentations to social media platforms like Instagram Reels, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. The quality and versatility of this footage make it a perfect fit for environmental campaigns, NGO initiatives, documentaries, and educational materials focused on marine conservation and the impact of coastal development on coral health.

Coastal development, such as resorts and marinas, significantly impacts coral reefs. Construction increases sedimentation, smothering corals like Porites and blocking sunlight essential for their symbiotic algae, leading to bleaching and increased disease risk. Additionally, runoff with pollutants like fertilizers and sewage promotes harmful algal blooms, further reducing water quality and stressing corals. Increased boat traffic and dredging also physically damage coral structures and stir up sediment, worsening the situation.