Phish has invited a number of non-profit organizations to spread the word regarding their ongoing efforts at Festival 8. The advocates for the clean water cause will include the Waterkeeper Alliance and the Southern California Waterkeepers. California is at the fore of the state efforts to protect waterways through its Marine Life Protection Act Initiative.

David Whiteside, like Mike Gordon, a graduate of the University of Vermont, will be among the representatives on hand. Whiteside founded the Black Warrior Riverkeeper organization in 2001 and Tennessee Riverkeeper this past year. Whiteside has an ongoing relationship with Phish and interviewed Jon Fishman last year on water-related issues for MTV’s Choose or Lose 2008.