Biofence algae culture at WSSNFH. Photo by Matthew Patterson, USFWS.

Over the past several months, scientists from both the Columbian and Canadian governments have visited White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery to observe the Biofences in action. While WSSNFH biologists use the Biofence to grow food for freshwater mussels, the visiting scientists are interested in using the Biofences to help stem global warming. They hope to convert algae fats into biofuel and utilize algae's natural ability to trap carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. Scientists travel long distances to visit WSSNFH because no other facility in the world has as much experience operating, maintaining and growing algae in the Biofence.