Mangroves, which are found in estuaries, are important to the aquatic environment because they provide food for small aquatic animals and shelter for fish, crabs, birds and other animals. They also help keep the water clean.

So when mangroves were poisoned and cut down on the shores of the Clarence River, at Iluka Bay, on the NSW north coast, quick action was needed - and local school students were there to help.

The Iluka Public School students planted mangrove seedlings in the area with the help of NSW DPI and Landcare staff.

A plastic pipe, drilled with holes to let water come in and drain away, was placed around each seedling to protect them from strong winds, currents and waves until the plants were strong enough on their own.

To discourage people from harming the young mangroves, the students wrote messages on the pipes, saying "Please don't hurt me!" and "Do not touch! I'm watching you!"

Signs were put up to encourage the community to report the destruction of mangroves and the dead mangroves were left there as a reminder.

A few months later the pipe was taken off and most of the mangroves had survived.

This joint mangrove rehabilitation project had members from Iluka Landcare, Maclean Shire Council, Iluka Public School and NSW DPI.