A Nunavut court is hearing arguments today over whether seismic tests in a proposed northern national marine park should be allowed.

Meanwhile, an official with the German institute doing the work says his group is caught in a quarrel between two Canadian government departments and the tests have nothing to do with resource exploitation.

He says his scientists trusted Canada to make sure local people knew what was happening.

Now he's frustrated with the way Ottawa has handled the whole situation.

Inuit say the tests threaten whales and other mammals and were planned without proper consultation.

Federal officials have downplayed the risk and say such tests, which could point to possible oil and gas reserves, are a routine part of planning any new park.