The Mackenzie Delta in Canada's western Arctic is underlain by significant discovered and predicted reserves of hydrocarbons [1], but is also amongst the most rapidly warming regions globally [2]. Activities associated with the exploitation of these hydrocarbon resources, including enhanced exploration, as well as infrastructure development through the extraction, production and transmission of hydrocarbons to market, constitute an additional stressor to the freshwater ecosystems of the region. The Mackenzie Delta region is ecologically important, as identified by the establishment of the Kendall Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary in 1961, as well as being culturally significant for local indigenous communities [3]. Much recent attention has focused on oil and gas activities increasing the delivery of toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into the environment [4], [5]; however the potential effects of industrial activities on aquatic ecosystems are widespread, and PAH contamination is just one example of the environmental consequences of oil and gas exploration and development.