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Whale entangled in shark net off Sydney beach

Rescue attempts are continuing to free a whale entangled in shark nets off Whale Beach in Sydney's northern suburbs.

A concerned woman on the shore called police about 2.55pm today after noticing a kayaker trying to help the marine mammal which is about 800 metres from the beach.

The juvenile humpback is anchored to the seafloor by the netting and has fatigued trying to break itself free.

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Water Police, Surf Life Saving New South Wales, ORRCA and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) teams are working to remove the netting.

Two other whales can be seen nearby.

"ORRCA members and NPWS are assessing the situation," licensed volunteer rescue group ORRCA said.

A whale in distress off Whale Beach in Sydney's northern suburbs is believed to be tangled in ropes or shark netting.

"Thank you everyone for your calls".