Since the 19th century, the study of shell middens has played an important role in archaeological research. Shell midden and broader coastal archaeology have transformed our understanding of human relationships with aquatic habitats, demonstrating the importance of marine environments to human evolution and ecology, the colonization of islands and establishment of maritime trade networks, changing social and political dynamics, and a variety of other issues. During the past two decades, shell midden research has greatly increased, marking an exciting time for new discoveries and heightened collaboration with Indigenous communities. Several key research trends in shell midden archaeology during the past 10–15 years include research on site distribution and temporality, underwater archaeology, historical ecology, terraforming, landscape legacies, and community collaboration. These research trends demonstrate the ways in which shell midden archaeologists are shaping our understanding of the human past and environmental change around the world.

19世纪以来，贝丘研究在考古研究中发挥了重要作用。贝丘和更广泛的沿海考古学改变了我们对人类与水生栖息地关系的理解，展示了海洋环境对人类进化和生态、岛屿殖民和海上贸易网络建立、改变社会和政治动态以及各种变化的重要性。其他事宜。在过去的二十年中，贝冢研究大大增加，标志着新发现和与土著社区加强合作的激动人心的时刻。过去10-15年贝冢考古学的几个关键研究趋势包括遗址分布和时间性、水下考古学、历史生态学、地形改造、景观遗产和社区合作的研究。这些研究趋势展示了贝冢考古学家如何塑造我们对人类过去和世界各地环境变化的理解。