Pelicans have been found covered in oil as authorities race to contain a spill in the Port of Brisbane.

The Queensland transport minister, Scott Emerson, said the oil had been spotted along a 1,400-metre stretch of the wharf, but had not spread to the channel.

He said authorities had identified the vessel believed to be responsible for the spill of between five and 10 tonnes of heavy oil.

Booms will be used to contain the oil before it is skimmed off. Emerson said it could take up to a week to clean it up.

"We have had sightings of pelicans being affected by the oil – and other wildlife, other birdlife," he said.

The spill could expose individuals to fines of up to $550,000, or $11m for a company, plus clean-up costs.

Port operations are unaffected.