Science at UM [S03-ep12]: Fish on the Moon

[Podcast] - Published on December 22, 2023 in Science and Society

This week on *A l’UM la science*, Cyrille Przybyla talks to us about space aquaculture—or how to raise fish on the Moon. A in-depth interview for the final episode of *A l’UM la science* in 2023. A program co-produced with Divergence FM and broadcast every Wednesday at 6 p.m. on 93.9.

In 2015, astronauts on the International Space Station tasted the first lettuce grown in space. Since then, radishes, wheat, and even chili peppers have taken root at an altitude of more than 400,000 kilometers. A luxury when most of the food available on board is irradiated, freeze-dried, or canned—but not enough to satisfy hunger either, especially with future missions to the Moon on the horizon.

So how can we ensure that these astronauts get their share of protein—especially animal protein—vitamins, and omega-3s? Thanks to fish! Except that, barring a miraculous catch, you’ll agree there’s little chance of spotting a fish in the Sea of Serenity. It is to address this lunar challenge that our guest has lifted his hands out of the water and reached toward the sky. Cyrille Przybyla is a marine biologist at the Ifremer L-3AS laboratory and the Marbec laboratory; he specializes in integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA), and what he proposes borders on magic, as it involves sending fish eggs into space to raise them…on the Moon.

At UM Science, you’ve got the program—let’s get started!

Co-production: Divergence FM / University of Montpellier
Host: Lucie Lecherbonnier
Interview: Aline Périault / Lucie Lecherbonnier
Production: Alice Rollet

Tune in to the show “A l’UM la science” on Divergence FM 93.9

Keywords: Science at UM, Research, Science, Company