The relative yield-per-recruit (Y'/R) model of Beverton and Holt estimates Y'/R values based on few inputs i.e., c = mean length at first capture asymptotic length, ratio of natural mortality to growth (M/K) and exploitation rate (E = F/Z). However, when used in conjunction with high M/K values and/or a wide selection range, which frequently occur in small-short-lived tropical fishes and invertebrates, the model fails to estimate the optimum level of E for a given fishery. A number of approaches are presented to correct for this and related deficiencies.