Superstorm Sandy may have spared the Great South Bay from "brown tide" this year.

For decades, brown tides have threatened marine life in Long Island's waterways. But this year, experts say the levels of microscopic algae are low due to the new inlet created on Fire Island by Superstorm Sandy. Stony Brook University professor Christopher Gobler says that's nature's way of flushing out the bay.

Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri says he originally supported closing the Fire Island breach, but now that he has seen its positive effects, he's not so sure.

County Executive Steve Bellone says he still supports the closure of the breach. He says the state has agreed to take over the initial steps in the project.