LONG BEACH A large increase is planned in the razor clam harvest during the 2012-13 season on the Long Beach Peninsula.

Thanks to strong clam population growth in Peninsula sands and a change in how the state determines how large a harvest to allow, the total allowable catch in coming months will be about 1,848,000 clams. This is a 74 percent increase from last season’s harvest total of about 1,063,000 clams.

Thanks to the new quota mechanism, 34.5 percent of the estimated total population of clams on the Peninsula will be up for harvest, compared to 30 percent in recent years. The total number of adult clams currently in local sands is estimated at 5,356,000, and there are about 14,450,000 immature clams.

As is usually the case, population studies indicate that razor clams reach a maximum density on the north end of the Peninsula. The average size is about 4 inches.

Clamming dates are yet to be determined. There were 23 digging days last season. The harvest target for 2012-13 suggests the total number of days will be about 40.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is accepting public comments on digging days, catch limits and other management options for the upcoming season.

Suggestions for the 2012-13 season tentatively set to begin in mid-October can be sent via email to razorclams@dfw.wa.gov or by postal mail to: RazorClams, 48 Devonshire Rd., Montesano, WA 98563.

Comments regarding fall digging opportunities must be received by Oct. 9, said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager.

The 2011-12 razor clam season ended May 7, with a total of 2.5 million clams harvested in 195,000 digger trips, the lowest harvest and effort in the last 12 years, Ayres said. He said the drop mirrors a decline in clam numbers, due to the natural cycle of coastal razor-clam populations.

However, WDFWs 2012 stock assessment shows strong increases in the number of harvestable size clams on all ocean beaches, except Kalaloch.

“We are looking forward to a really great season,” Ayres said.

Management options for the upcoming razor clam season are available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/seasons_set.html.