Colorful fish swimming near dead Lace corals and other bleached species

Fading Oceans: The Bleached Reefs Below.

A diverse array of fish swim slowly around a towering section of bleached lace coral, its branches bleached to a stark white. Rising from a rocky base, this coral formation shows signs of stress, its branches now colorless and brittle. Small, colorful fish—including vivid oranges, greens, and yellows—move in scattered patterns. The video clip includes a mix of other coral species, also affected by bleaching, their shapes faded but are still visible in rounded and textured formations. The bright blue water stretches into the background of this free stock footage, while additional fish bring splashes of color to the otherwise pale landscape.

Steady Shot of Large, Bleached Fire Corals in Near Shore Waters.

Captured in ultra-high-definition 4K by experienced videographers and also available in HD (1080p), this free stock footage shows large, bleached fire corals in shallow, sunlit waters, vividly highlighting the widespread effects of coral bleaching. Available in both landscape (16:9 aspect ratio) and vertical (9:16 aspect ratio) formats, this footage is adaptable for use on widescreen displays and social media platforms such as Instagram Reels, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. The video’s clear and versatile visuals make it perfect for environmental campaigns, NGO initiatives, documentaries, and educational content focused on coral conservation and climate change awareness.

The most bleached coral reefs are found in tropical waters where temperatures are rising at fast rates. For coastal communities near these regions, the loss of coral reefs has significant implications. Bleached reefs directly impact fishing industries and the livelihoods of local fishers. Furthermore, tourism-centered economies suffer as once-vibrant reefs become stark and lifeless, reducing the appeal of these areas as travel destinations. Coral reefs also serve as natural coastal barriers, protecting shores from erosion and storm surges. This footage of bleached fire corals in shallow waters serves as a powerful visual of the global scale of coral bleaching and its impact on nearby communities.