Fulton Morning - Molly Leon

Between the hours of 1-7 am, not more than a half-mile from Rikers Prison, the New Fulton Fish Market comes to life. Fishermen in tall rubber boots and waterproof overalls stroll through Hunts Point, tossing cuts of fresh-caught swordfish and bags of bay scallops into boxes of ice, and shouting customer requests across a football field-sized warehouse. Around 3am on a cold autumn night, my brother and I decided to experience the market for ourselves.

2am - Collin on Canal Street ||

My brother, on his way to the 6 train. Getting to the market by public transportation required several modes of transportation combined, and about two hours of traveling total.

The entrance to the New Fulton Fish Market is at the end of a long hallway lined with heavy doors - one of which opens to a large warehouse where fish mongers are selling their nightly catches.

A fisherman showing off a crate of blue claw crabs to my brother.

Always bring a pocket knife. ||

My brother tasting a crab claw that the fisherman offered to him.

A small fish living inside the membrane of a scallop.

Fisherman's inventory list

Swordfish being packed with ice and cut for sale.

Catch of the day

A fresh catch being filleted for a customer.