The Department of Conservation's concerned about that impact the killing of endangered wildlife species will have on tourism in New Zealand.

This comes after a Leopard Seal was found dead on a Northland beach on Friday morning.

The animal was shot in the head near Glinks Gully, south of Dargaville and has since been transported to Palmerston North Wildbase Hospital to undergo a post-mortem.

Stephen Soole of the Department of Conservation says senseless incidents like this could have a huge impact on tourism down the track.

"People like to see animals like this alive in the wild, and when this sort of thing happens it does nothing for our reputation and it certainly does nothing towards the species itself."
The Department of Conservation wants justice after a baby leopard seal was shot dead on a Northland beach.

"This is a very serious offence. The animal concerned is extremely vulnerable so we need to follow a process but also ensure that we have rules and regulations that are enforced vigorously."

Seals are protected under the Wildlife Act and harming them can result in two years in prison or a quarter of a million dollar fine.