Thawing fish involves increasing its temperature so that ice crystals melt back into water at around -10C. There are various methods of thawing fish, including refrigeration, cold water, and microwaves. Thawing has merits like increased yield, shorter cooking times, and tenderized texture from ice crystal formation disrupting muscle fibers. However, thawing also has demerits such as weight loss from water leeching out, reduced water holding capacity, and possible color and texture changes from oxidation and rigor mortis. Care must be taken to thaw fish slowly at low temperatures to minimize quality impacts.