An Ecosystem Approach to Wild Rice-Fish Cultivation

Abstract Naturally grown wild rice (Zizania sp.) in freshwater lakes and streams with suitable biophysical conditions could provide opportunities for fish cultivation in different parts of the world, including North America. Many fish species prefer wild rice ecosystems for their habitat. Such natural aggregation could inspire wild rice-fish cultivation. Wild rice-fish integration could play a major role in maintaining ecosystems, including aeration of water, pest control, photosynthesis, nutrient cycling, respiration, soil fertility, and water quality. Wild rice-fish cultivation would be an ecosystem approach due to the positive culture attributes in terms of environmental benefits. Human consumption of wild rice and fish would provide a complementary, healthy, nutritious, and low-fat diet, with rich in carbohydrate, protein, minerals, and vitamins. Ideally, wild rice-fish integration could provide a wide range of social, economic, and ecological advantages, including food production, human nutrition, livelihoods, income, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem services. Despite opportunities and potential benefits in North America, wild rice-fish culture has not yet been practiced. Empirical research with key stakeholders’ involvement need to address social, economic, and ecological challenges for wild rice-fish cultivation to increase food productivity and environmental sustainability.