A Response to Callon's "Some Elements of a Sociology of Translation"

In his piece on the scallops of St. Brieuc Bay, Callon details the attempt of three researchers who are seeking to save the overfished scallops of France. According to Callon, the researchers attempted to install themselves in a position between the fisherman and the scallops. They were the "passage point" that were supposed to prevent overfishing while their research was conducted. In doing this, the scientists were supposed to discover a method of essentially domesticating the scallops by trapping the larvae, assuming that they anchored at birth, and placing them in a location where they would be protected from predators and other dangers. The scallops would then be allowed to develop and repopulate the bay.

However, despite the scientist's efforts to save the scallops, the fisherman, who sought only to benefit themselves in the short term, dredged the bay for scallops effectively destroying the research and repopulation efforts. Despite the effectiveness of the researcher's plan on paper, in practice, the their plans and efforts were not viable. Faced with the prospect of a large return, the fisherman abandoned the efforts to create a long term sustainable solution. Even though the main issue, whether the larvae would anchor themselves, had been solved, the fisherman chose to obtain a short term gain rather than years of continued fishing. Callon's essay on the scallops of St. Brieuc Bay shows that the humanity's selfishness can destroy efforts to protect the voiceless animals if immediate gain is possible.