Methodological Aspects of Migration and Orientation in Fishes

Abstract

General methodology, defined as a branch of philosophy of science, could be a powerful tool in the development of programs for research on fish migration and orientation. The explication of concepts should be central in a methodological approach. Current concepts for various aspects of orientation and migration in fishes are unsatisfactory because they are loaded with theory. Commonly used classifications of methods of migration and orientation are incomplete. They have generated confusion due to a conflation of different classification criteria (e.g., tracks, stimulus-response connections, physiological mechanisms). The impact of concepts on research is considerable. Methodology can reveal how much they steer investigations. General methodology, statistics and model building can be applied integratively in the planning of new research. The ensuing benefits are substantial.