Grey nurse shark saved in Sydney waters

A critically endangered shark has been freed from elastic cord in waters off southern Sydney during a tricky operation.

A local recreational diver raised the alarm after spotting the young grey nurse shark tangled in bungee-type rope at Magic Point, near Maroubra.

Department of Primary Industries senior research scientist Nick Otway said the rope was wrapped around the shark's head and was interfering with its gills and its feeding.

That prompted a life-saving operation on Thursday involving vet Rob Jones and Sea Life aquarium staff.

"Firstly the shark was encouraged into a plastic 'sock', it was then brought to the surface of the water via a stretcher, the rope was carefully removed from its gills and it was given a dose of antibiotics by Dr Jones," Dr Otway said on Friday.

"After the procedure the shark then swam away which was a wonderful sight to see."

The number of grey nurse sharks - nicknamed the labradors of the sea due to their placid nature - has dwindled to an estimated 1500 in NSW waters.