NOVELTY - A composite electrolyte membrane (10) comprises ionomer component (16), electrode catalyst, and microporous region (18). The ionomer component extends continuously between opposed two contact surfaces (12, 14). The two contact surfaces are defined by the membrane. The ionomer component is a hydrated nanoporous ionomer. The hydrated nanoporous ionomer comprises cation exchange resin. The microporous region comprises ionomer component and a structural matrix. The structural matrix is particulate material, a whisker material, or a fibrous material within the ionomer component.    USE - For a fuel cell for transportation vehicle, portable power plants, or stationary power plants.    ADVANTAGE - The composite electrolyte membrane facilitates water management within a fuel cell. The membrane provides long term fuel cell durability and eliminates performance degradation as a result of catalyst flooding with product water. The carbon support of catalyst prolonged usage of fuel cell.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A composite electrolyte membrane comprises ionomer component, electrode catalyst, and microporous region. The ionomer component extends continuously between opposed two contact surfaces. The two contact surfaces are defined by the membrane. The ionomer component is a hydrated nanoporous ionomer. The hydrated nanoporous ionomer comprises cation exchange resin. The microporous region comprises ionomer component and a structural matrix. The structural matrix is particulate material, a whisker material, or a fibrous material within the ionomer component. The structural matrix defines open pores having a diameter of 0.3-1.0 microns. The microporous region is disposed between two contact surfaces of the membrane to be adjacent either only the first contact surface or only the second contact surface. The microporous region can also be disposed to be adjacent neither the first contact surface nor the second contact surface. The membrane is secured adjacent an electrode catalyst (32, 34) of the fuel cell (30). The microporous region is adjacent to the first contact surface of the membrane secured adjacent a cathode electrode catalyst of the fuel cell. The microporous region s secured between first and second ionomer compound layers. The structural matrix of microscopic region is electrically conductive. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for managing movement of water within a fuel cell.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows simplified schematic view of fuel cell using composite water management electrolyte membrane.    Composite electrolyte membrane (10)    Two contact surfaces (12, 14)    Ionomer component (16)    Microporous region (18)    Fuel cell (30)    Electrode catalyst (32, 34)