Bibliography: pages 279-298.The primary aim of this research is to assess the role of shellfish in prehistoric diet and lifestyle with specific reference to the numerous archaeological sites in the vicinity of Eland's Bay (18°19'E 32°19'S). To give a wider regional context, available data on seven other sites along the southwest coast of South Africa have been included. The quantification, analysis and comparison of the faunal data from all these sites have proved informative on the adequacy and balance of prehistoric coastal diet and on aspects of human ecology and behaviour
