Abstract
Further exploitation of New Zealand's seabird islands for such uses as tourism and recreation should not be considered without detailed planning analysis, including physical planning. Successful application of planning methods requires an information base sufficient to provide answers to management questions. The paper indicates the kind of information planners need and examines how scientists can fulfill scientific objectives while at the same time providing information needed by planners. Examples are taken from research done on breeding populations of wedgetailed shearwater (Puffinus pacificus) and black noddies (Anous minitus) in the Capricorn Group of islands, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Queensland, Australia.