The results of recent target strength measurements of walleye pollock from the North Pacific are presented. The measurements, made with a lowered transducer system are compared with historical results. The system allows the transducer to be moved closer to the target fish thus reducing the well-known bias of in situ target strength measurements due to range-dependent noise thresholds. Results using a conventional system with the transducer mounted on the research vessel and this system are discussed. The AFSC currently uses a target strength-to-length relationship [TS=20 log(L)−66.0, L, length in centimeters] to scale echo integration information to estimates of fish density. The appropriateness of this practice is discussed in light of the recent target strength measurements. Caveats regarding the limitations of in situ target strength measurement techniques are presented and suggestions for appropriate conditions for such measurements are provided.