The Committee of Age Reading Experts (CARE) was initiated after a series of meetings in 1982 by the Technical Subcommittee (TSC) of the Canada-US Groundfish Committee. The first two workshops were convened in 1983 (April 27-29 and August 3-5) to document and standardize current methods used to age groundfish. These workshops discussed use of appropriate age structures, preparation of samples, equipment required, and reading procedures. Additional issues discussed were development of procedures for interagency calibration and methodology for age validation work. The primary objectives of these meetings were to reduce variation in age reading between agencies and to produce a manual of standard techniques. Target species for these initial meetings were rockfish of regional management concern . From 1986 through 2002, CARE meetings were held every two years and included participation by agencies (state and federal) and institutions involved in age determination work. Participants were from agencies in the USA (California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska) and Canada (British Columbia). Focal topics are provided by the TSC and member agencies. Throughout the history of CARE, the primary issue of concern continues to be interagency calibration and the validation and standardization of age reading criteria.

The membership of CARE has seen little turnover in its history. These long term members provide a stabilizing force for continuing CARE responsibilities within their original intent. In the event of member turnover or simply in the interest of promoting long term consistency, this charter, initiated in 2000, provides a framework within which the original intent of CARE may continue. This charter also expedites familiarization of new CARE Members to the responsibilities and function of CARE.

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