NOAA NWR Nearshore Critical Habitat - Sequalitchew Creek

According to NOAA Fisheries Service, Sequalitchew Creek, and the DuPont Shoreline are designated as a nearshore critical habitat and a location that is protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) for distinct population segments (DPS) or evolutionarily significant units (ESU) of Pacific salmon, specifically Coho. Washington State Departments of Ecology and Fish and Wildlife say so, too. Included here are maps from NOAA and Washington State Departments of Ecology and Fish & Wildlife showing these designations and presence/migration of fish. Coho Salmon @ Sequalitchew Creek, Washington State Depts of Ecology, Fish & Wildlife, May 2008

These critical habitats are regulated under the Code of Federal Register at 50 CFR Part 226.

Note: on the NOAA map, Sequalitchew Creek is designated as connected to Sequalitchew Lake, a Shoreline of the State.

So, why are consultants to City of DuPont advising to exclude the creek and and all “associated wetlands” from the city’s Shoreline Management Plan? See their letter, included here:
Justification to exclude Sequalitchew Creek, Edmond Marsh and Associated Wetlands

If there are salmon in the creek, shouldn’t they be protected? If yes, then the creek and associated wetlands must be included in DuPont’s Shoreline Master Plan.

Information about the City of DuPont’s Shoreline Master Plan Update and how you can participate is located here:
http://www.ci.dupont.wa.us/development/shoreline-master-program.html