The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has identified a Wobbegong Shark was responsible for the incident at Gerroa.

A DPI shark biologist has assessed photographs of the wounds and a tooth fragment from the shark to identify it as a Wobbegong Shark.   

A 24-year-old man from Sydney was participating in a surf lesson at Seven Mile Beach and was bitten on his hand and calf on Saturday.

He was airlifted to St George Hospital and underwent surgery on Sunday.

Surf Life Saving NSW conducted patrols on jet boats on Sunday to look for any sharks in the area. Kiama Council made the decision to close all beaches in the immediate vicinity for 24 hours. 

DPI continues to work with other agencies including NSW Police Marine Area Command and Surf Life Saving NSW, and will continue to monitor the situation and provide any technical advice and resources if required.

Water users are encouraged to download DPI’s SharkSmart app which helps swimmers, surfers and all water users be aware of how they can minimise their chances of an interaction with a shark.

Further information about sharks can be found at the department’s website.

Earlier

A 24-year-old man has sustained three puncture wounds from a shark bite at Gerroa's Seven Mile Beach.

The Sydney man was bitten on the calf muscle during a surfing lesson at about 12.25pm on Saturday.

He reportedly felt his leg shake from the shark bite.

Police and paramedics attended and the man has been airlifted to a Sydney hospital.

His injuries were non life-threatening according to NSW Police.

The man was reportedly in waist-deep water, with a group of about 40 people at the time of the attack.

NSW Police suspect the shark may have been a wobbegong or a small grey nurse.

NSW Police and NSW Ambulance crews attended the scene, about 1km south of the headland at Gerroa.

Police remain on scene interviewing an eyewitness.