The breach at Bellport’s Old/New Inlet, opened during Superstorm Sandy nearly 10 years ago to the day, has completely closed, meaning there is no longer exchange of tidal waters between the Atlantic Ocean and Bellport Bay. While recently, water clarity has been exceptionally good in Bellport Bay, it stands to be greatly impacted by reduced salinity and increased concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorous, which lead to harmful algal blooms. Mechanical opening is not an option due to Fire Island National Seashore regulations, and so it is to remain closed until Mother Nature takes her next step. 

The breach in 2019

A big question arose, with advocates on one side demanding to keep the breach open and let nature take its course, while others requested it be closed manually to prevent impacts of possible tidal rise and storm surges, which could cause further damage in the area. There was great controversy that surrounded this issue, with both sides of the argument vehement in their position.  

After much public discourse, sometimes quite heated, the decision was made to leave the inlet open in large part due to regulations applying to the Fire Island National Seashore that forbid any manual manipulation of the island.

Positive impacts of the breach

What we have learned since is that the breach in Fire Island across from Bellport helped to revitalize Bellport Bay. We saw the return of a multitude of marine life, blossoming seagrasses, and an environment conducive to shellfish restoration. What we didn’t see were significant tidal changes or excessive storm-surge damage.

View of breach in September 2022

We are now in danger of all those benefits evaporating as the Inlet continues to close. Less exchange with the ocean will lead to higher concentrations of nitrogen in the bay from cesspool wastewaters as well as stormwater runoff. Thanks to that, we are likely to see a more frequent appearance of harmful algal blooms such as brown, red, and mahogany tides. These, in turn, affect all marine life, from finfish and shellfish to seagrasses and birds. Rest assured, we will be closely monitoring the impacts of this natural occurrence on the water quality in Bellport Bay and the surrounding areas and will keep supporters of our group updated.

Save The Great South Bay, 501(c)3, is an environmental nonprofit whose mission is to protect and preserve the Great South Bay for stronger Long Island communities now and for future generations to enjoy. For more information visit: www.savethegreatsouthbay.org.