Brookhaven town officials say they are in favor of keeping a breach on eastern Fire Island open, due its benefits to the Great South Bay.

The breach, which is several football fields wide, was left behind in Superstorm Sandy's wake in 2012. Since then, the ocean has served to flush out the Great South Bay, improving water quality and causing the shellfish population to make a comeback.

Local and state officials took a boat ride Thursday to assess the breach.

"Let Mother Nature take its course," said State Assemblyman Dean Murray (R-Bellport).

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine says that he supports the breach being left alone as long as it doesn't widen or cause flooding.

Ultimately, the decision whether to leave the breach open or close it off lies with the Army Corps of Engineers. There was no word on when that decision would be made.