ANNAPOLIS, MD (WBFF) -- In a major victory for oyster restoration, a coalition of federal, state, and local partners celebrated a historic achievement in Annapolis on Wednesday: the restoration of about 2,000 acres of oyster habitat across the Chesapeake Bay, surpassing a key goal laid out in the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Agreement.

The plan, which aimed to fully restore oyster populations in 10 tributaries by the end of 2025, was officially completed -- and exceeded -- earlier this summer.

With the inclusion of Virginia's Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River as a sixth "bonus" tributary, the total now stands at 11 rivers restored, marking the largest oyster restoration initiative in the world.

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Restored tributaries include Maryland's Manokin, Harris Creek, Little Choptank, Tred Avon, and St. Mary's rivers, as well as Virginia's Lynnhaven, Lafayette, Piankatank, Great Wicomico, Lower York, and the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth rivers.

Many of the restored reefs are now thriving, with oyster populations meeting or even exceeding abundance targets.

Officials say oysters play a vital role in the Bay's ecosystem. As a keystone species, they provide critical habitat for marine life and help naturally filter the water -- with a single adult oyster capable of filtering up to 50 gallons of water per day.

CBF Maryland Executive Director, Allison Colden, issued the following statement:

Chesapeake Bay oyster restoration is a shining success story. In Maryland alone, the oyster population has tripled since 2005. Building on that success, Maryland DNR has already started its work toward the next oyster restoration goal.

As we move forward, we know that this large-scale effort has created a strong foundation for the oyster's comeback. It also shows us there is hope for the Bay to bounce back in ways no one thought was possible. We must continue to use this model of collaborative, targeted restoration across the Bay's vast, bipartisan partnership.

We applaud the leadership of Governor Wes Moore and DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz as we continue defining the future of Bay saving. And we are eager to continue work with our federal partners and neighboring states so all can benefit from the power of oysters."

Maryland's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has already committed to restoring three additional tributaries, building on the momentum of this achievement.

The milestone comes as the Chesapeake Executive Council reviews public feedback on an updated version of the Bay Agreement.

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The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is calling on the council to set even more ambitious goals, including restoring an additional 2,400 acres of oyster sanctuaries by 2035.

CBF is also urging Congress to fully fund oyster restoration efforts by key federal agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The organization expressed concern over recent provisions in a House appropriations bill that could allow commercial fishing in protected sanctuaries and eliminate funding for underperforming reef restoration projects.

Officials say these bipartisan, partner-driven efforts will be key for the continued success of oyster restoration in the Bay.