Lobster Night Returns with Tradition, Sustainability, Mixed Student Reactions – The Daily Free Press

Boston University’s much-anticipated event, Lobster Night, returned to campus dining halls Thursday evening.

This is BU Dining’s largest locally sourced meal of the year, according to Lynn Cody, director of marketing for BU Dining Services.

“BU Dining Services is committed to supporting local (businesses), diverting food waste to composting and anaerobic digestion, and reducing pre- and post-consumer waste year-round,” Cody wrote.

Cody wrote that all lobster shells, compostable dishes and paper napkins are collected to keep them from going into the trash.

BU cooperates with Cape Ann Lobstermenlobster supplier in Gloucester, Massachusetts, will supply more than 9,600 lobsters to the university. The company follows guidelines that encourage sustainability and support local fishermen, according to its website.

Those guidelines include checking each lobster for eggs and “V-shaped cuts,” which indicate the lobsters are capable of reproducing, said Alex Militello, marketing director for Cape Ann Lobstermen.

“We make sure these stay in the water,” Militello said. “We’re not allowed to keep these lobsters, and that makes sure the population stays large.”

Militello said there is “nothing more sustainable” than sourcing seafood from local producers.

“It keeps this industry alive, not just lobster but fishing in general,” Militello said. “It’s really important for our industry that people choose local and not go for the alternative.”

According to Cody, the University receives high expectations and positive reviews from students who enjoy the meals and show appreciation for the dining hall staff. However, BU student feedback on the event reveals a mix of anticipation and frustration.

Freshman Taylor Williams said she “didn’t even know (Lobster Night) existed,” but when she found out about it, she couldn’t wait.

“I love lobster,” Williams said. “So (Lobster Night) might be a good thing to do here.”

Emma Murphy, a senior, said Lobster Night is fun during freshman year, but it’s no longer worth attending.

“It’s just getting a little chaotic and honestly, I’d rather just go to the market and buy a lobster than fight someone over a lobster here,” Murphy said.

However, she added that for students, going to Lobster Night is a good experience.

“It was fun when I went with my friends my freshman year,” Murphy said. “Some of them didn’t know how to open one, so we passed it around the table and everyone learned.”

Sophomore Megan Kwan attended Lobster Night last year and thought it was fun as a freshman, but now it’s a “major inconvenience” because of the long lines and waits. But she still thinks it’s a good way to build community.

“It’s really nice that you have something to come back to every year,” Kwan said. “(Given) the size of BU, it’s hard to weave in a lot of those traditions.”