(Seattle, WA) -- Whale researchers are confirming the birth of a new baby orca in the Salish Sea. The Center for Whale Research says they spotted the baby girl over the weekend swimming with the Southern Resident Killer Whale population's J Pod. Researchers say the new calf was born to 24-year-old orca J31. It's the first time J31 has successfully given birth to a new calf within the last decade. Researchers have designated the new orca J56 and are calling her a "very welcome addition" to the Southern Resident Killer Whale population, which remains critically endangered due to pollution, lack of food and heavy boat traffic in the area.