Man dead after shark attack off NSW coast

A man has died after being attacked by a shark on the NSW north coast.

Emergency services were called to Shelly Beach, near Ballina, just before 10 o'clock this morning.

Police have confirmed the man died and his next of kin were still being informed.

Meanwhile a surfer is recovering in hospital after a suspected shark attack up the coast near Byron Bay.

The 35-year-old man was sitting on his board about 60 metres off Seven Mile Beach early yesterday morning when he was attacked from behind.

Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) officers and lifeguards cleared the beach at Ballina at the direction of police.

Beaches are not patrolled at this time of year but as a result of the shark attack, lifeguards will be stationed at all beaches around Ballina to keep the public informed and out of the water, SLSNSW said in a statement on Monday.

Lifeguards patrolling the waters on inflatable rescue boats and jet skis continue to look for the shark.