Once caught, fish can spoil very rapidly. This is caused by enzymes, bacteria and oxidation, the process accelerates rapidly when fish are left in the sun, in the bilge of a boat, or anywhere it can dry out or heat up. Enzymes in the gut flesh continue to work, breaking down the gut lining and flesh. This destroys the texture of the flesh and causes the flavour to be spoiled. The spoilage process can be slowed and quality fish presented in terms of appearance, flesh texture, taste and odour, if the following procedure is followed.