A YOUNG humpback whale entangled in rope off Port Macquarie on June 1 has been freed off the northern NSW coast.
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ORRCA's rescue team received dozens of calls from whale spotters tracking the animal as it slowly made its way along the coast.
It was first spotted off Miners Beach in Port Macquarie with three white buoys and one orange buoy wrapped around it.
The Sea World rescue crew intercepted the young whale off Evans Head and removed most of the ropes and gear on Friday afternoon.
"Our members headed out to headlands and vantage points through the week to help track and observe this whale from the land," an ORRCA spokesperson said.
"The NPWS Marine Wildlife and Disentanglement Teams were working behind the scenes coordinating logistics with crews along the coastline and with Sea World so if there was a positive sighting and conditions were right, they were ready to go and attempt a rescue."
Marine Rescue crews also provided ongoing support.
A second whale was spotted on June 2 about two kilometres off Port Macquarie with rope attached to a white buoy which is wrapped around its dorsal fin.
It was swimming with two other whales and is the smallest of the three.
Report all entangled marine mammals into the ORRCA Rescue Hotline on 02 9415 3333.
Never attempt a rescue, they are big and dangerous wild animals.
Marine mammals are protected in Australian waters. Rules and heavy fines apply.
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