Shelly Beach on the NSW Central Coast will remain closed for at least the next 24 hours after a surfer was bitten on the hand by a shark on Tuesday.
The 42-year-old local man had just finished catching a wave and was paddling back out when he encountered the shark at around 6.15 am.
It is believed that the shark was approximately 2 -2.5 metres in length and emerged from the water in front of the surfer and bit him on the hand.
After getting himself to shore he was able to transport himself to hospital where he underwent treatment for lacerations to his hand.
Wyong Council Lifeguards have erected signage on the beach informing the public that the beach is closed.
A decision on when to reopen the beach will be made in consultation with NSW Police and Wyong Council on Wednesday.
The species of the shark involved in the incident has not yet been determined, and the Department of Primary Industries is investigating.
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