Aquatic Earthworms Play A Role In Rice Cultivation

This is something I have not heard of before but it makes sense.  There is a place called Workman Creek in the Sierra Ancha mountains of Arizona that I used to visit every summer.  It is an extremely rich environment within an old growth forest.  The creek is virtually choked with woody debris.

The picture shown on the left is something I saw on at least four occasions that I can remember.  Are these aquatic earthworms?  I am not sure to be honest.  But seeing them repeatedly leads me to believe that this is normal.

Evidently similar aquatic eathworms play an importand role in rice cultivation.  It makes sense that their actions would help to cycle nutrients into a form usable by the rice and and prevent stagnation by oxygenating the muddy soil.  When combined with aquaculture, they surely provide food for fish, birds, crayfish, and a multitude of other creatures as well.  Everyone knows the benefits of worm castings in the garden.  There is no reason to believe they aren't just as magic in aquatic environments.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130206121322.htm