Reef in distress (4)

I believe the answer is:

free

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'reef in distress' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to change as well as being verbs in their base form.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'reef in distress' is the wordplay.
'in distress' is an anagram indicator.
'reef' anagrammed gives 'FREE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for free that I've seen before include "without payment" , "sovereign" , "Not under restraint" , "Under no obligation" , "Not working" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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