NOVELTY - A fluid management component for oxidation fuel cell having a membrane electrode assembly, anode and cathode compartments (18, 20), and an associated source of fuel, comprises a plate containing material that is non-reactive to a fuel substance. The plate has pores of a diameter and spacing to allow a flow of fuel substance to pass through the plate towards the anodic face of the membrane electrode assembly to be used in generating electricity.    USE - Used in a direct oxidation fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE - The component enhances system performance by providing effective fluid management within the fuel cell, does not increase the overall system volume, and has the potential to reduce the complexity and cost of the system. It enables a uniform presentation of a fuel mixture of low concentration to the anode diffusion layer while allowing the highest possible concentration of fuel to be carried directly into the anode compartment.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for a direct oxidation fuel cell, comprising a membrane electrode assembly including a proton conductive, electronically non-conductive membrane (7) electrolyte having an anode face (8) and an opposing cathode face, and a catalyst coating disposed upon each anode face and cathode face (10); the inventive fluid management component disposed on an anode side of the membrane electrode assembly (6); and a load coupled across the fuel cell providing a path for the free electrons produced in the electricity-generating reactions. Electricity-generating reactions occur upon introduction of an associated fuel substance including anodic conversion of the fuel substance into carbon dioxide or other carbonaceous product, protons and electrons, and a cathodic combination of protons, electrons and oxygen from an associated source of oxygen, producing water.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a schematic block diagram of a direct oxidation fuel cell system.    Fuel cell (3)    Membrane electrode assembly (6)    Non-conductive membrane (7)    Anode face (8)    Cathode face (10)    Anode and cathode compartments (18, 20)