Spotlight: Diversa, Yellowstone Sign ‘Bioprospecting’ Pact

In what is considered to be the first “bioprospecting” agreement signed in the U.S., San Diego-based Diversa Corp. said it entered a five-year pact to search for new organisms living in the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park for possible commercial use. Closely held Diversa said the agreement will give it expanded access to the park’s hot springs and allow the park access to Diversa’s findings and royalties from any products discovered. Diversa has similar pacts in Iceland and Costa Rica.