NMFS is issuing this document to provide its interpretation of the limitations placed on the use of appropriated funds by the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 1996 (Act) for fiscal year 1996. The Act states that no appropriated funds may be used to develop or implement new fishery management plans (FMPs), FMP amendments, or regulations that create new individual fishing quota (IFQ), individual transferable quota (ITQ), or new individual transferable effort allocation programs, until offsetting fees to fund such programs are authorized under the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson Act). The purpose of this interpretation is to provide guidance to the regional fishery management councils and the public on the programs for which funds may not be expended through the end of the fiscal year.