Colorful fish swimming over bleached coral reefs from different species

Pale Waterscapes: Exploring Bleached Coral Zones.

A variety of fish darts around a coral reef, where the effects of bleaching are evident across different coral species. Sections of the reef appear pale and drained, particularly among branching corals that have turned white. Amidst this bleached area, small, colorful fish like anthias and snappers navigate the coral branches, adding hints of movement and vivid hues to the video shot. Some patches of healthy coral remain, providing a textured mix of beige, orange, and brown. The clip captures not only the variety of life still thriving in the reef but also the ecosystem at risk as coral bleaching continues to impact more species.

Colorful Coral Reefs Turning White from Bleaching — Wide Undersea Shot.

Captured in stunning ultra-high-definition 4K and also available in HD (1080p) resolution, this free stock footage reveals colorful fish swimming above bleached coral reefs composed of multiple species. The footage is offered in both landscape (16:9 aspect ratio) and vertical (9:16 aspect ratio) formats, making it adaptable for widescreen use and social media platforms like Instagram Reels, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. With its exceptional clarity and versatility, this video is ideal for environmental awareness campaigns, NGO projects, documentaries, and educational content focusing on coral conservation and the impacts of human activity on marine ecosystems.

Harmful chemicals found in many sunscreens, particularly oxybenzone and octinoxate, pose a serious threat to coral health. When sunscreen washes off swimmers in the ocean, these chemicals enter the water and accumulate on coral reefs. These compounds are toxic to corals, especially juvenile corals, as they increase coral susceptibility to bleaching by damaging coral DNA and disrupting their growth and reproduction. Oxybenzone, for example, can cause deformities in young coral and inhibit their natural defense mechanisms, leaving them more vulnerable to stressors like rising ocean temperatures.