The diffusion of 'lambreta,' an artifcial lure, at Búzios Island (Brazil)

We studied the adoption process of a special jig used to catch bluefish (enchova - Pomatomus saltator) at Búzios Island. Búzios Island is a fishing community of about 44 households located in southeast Brazil (São Paulo State). Data were collected through direct observations and interviews. Observations of fishing trips were done at Porto do Meio harbor. The main hook-and-line techniques used to catch bluefish at Búzios are lambreta (jigging), corrico (trolling) and deep line. The lambreta has been replacing the corrico. Lambreta allows more yield per hour fishing than corrico. Unlike the corrico, it does not require natural bait (nylon skirts give the lure a life-like motion). Innovator categories were also found: younger and full-time fishermen are most likely to adopt the lambreta in contrast to older and part-time fishermen. Both features of the innovation and adopters are important to understand the process of the diffusion of the lambreta among fisherman categories. (author)