Baby whale freed from shark net near Brisbane

A baby whale was rescued after being caught in shark drum lines near Brisbane on Sunday morning.

Several teams worked to free the calf after it became trapped off North Stradbroke Island.

Authorities freed the animal after about four hours.

It was reunited with its mother and another adult whale, who were waiting nearby.

Researchers say whales sightings have been occurring almost daily in the area as the giant mammals complete their annual migration.

They say there has been a rise in whales swimming closer to the Queensland coast each year.

Since 2006, 59 whales have been caught in shark nets - and two have died.