A dead whale, which appears to be a humpback, has washed up on the beach at Big Hill near Crescent Head.
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Local Steve Firko, who runs On Point Surf School out of Crescent Head, first saw the giant of the sea on the beach at 5pm yesterday.
Mr Firko believes the whale is only a calf and between 6 to eight metres in length.
The avid surfer said the whale has attracted sharks to the area and urged for caution when swimming in the region until the whale has been removed.
"My friends said they saw a shark earlier in the day (yesterday) while they were surfing," Mr Firko told the Argus.
"I went down to see if any sharks were still cruising to film them.
"It was oozing plenty of fluids so it's probably not the best place to surf at the moment. Sharks will be coming in for an easy feed if there's one available.
"The whale is pretty much out of sharks reach except on high tide, but they will run the risk of beaching themselves."
Mr Firko believes it's likely the whale only recently washed up on the beach.
"It was pretty fresh and doesn't smell real bad yet, but it won't take long until it reeks," Mr Firko said.
Kempsey Shire Council is aware of the beached whale and are considering their options.
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