NOVELTY - A bi-zone water transport plate for a fuel cell having an electrolyte, and anode and cathode catalysts, comprises a water permeability zone secured in fluid communication with the electrolyte; and bubble barrier zone secured to the water permeability zone and in fluid communication with the electrolyte.    USE - For fuel cell for transportation vehicles, or portable or stationary power plants.    ADVANTAGE - By having a separate bubble barrier zone, the plate affords enhanced water permeability while the bubble barrier maintains a gas seal.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A bi-zone water transport plate for a fuel cell having an electrolyte (18), and anode and cathode catalysts (20, 22) secured on opposed sides of the electrolyte, comprises:    (i) a water permeability zone (54) secured in fluid communication with the electrolyte; and    (ii) bubble barrier zone (52) secured to the water permeability zone and in fluid communication with the electrolyte.    The bubble barrier zone extends between all reactive perimeters of the plate, has a pore size of less than 20 microns, and a thickness of less than 25% of a shortest distance between opposed contact surfaces defined by the plate.    The water permeability zone has a mean pore size of at least 100% greater than the pore size of the bubble barrier zone, and has a thickness of greater than 75% of the shortest distance between the opposed contact surfaces.    An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for a method of enhancing freeze protection of a fuel cell comprising:    (a) securing in fluid communication with the electrolyte a bi-zone water transport plate;    (b) operating the fuel cell so that pores within the freeze reduction bubble barrier zone and water permeability zone become filled with a coolant liquid; and    (c) shutting down the fuel cell including selectively applying a vacuum force to the bi-zone water transport plate.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure is a cross-sectional, schematic representation of a fuel cell employing a bi-zone water transport plate.    Electrolyte (18)    Anode and cathode catalysts (20, 22)    Bubble barrier zone (52)    Water permeability zone (54)