intank fuel filter help

[gazelle]

Specs
1998 Force 90 hp

I am attaching a picture of my fuel tank, more specifically the connector between the fuel line and the tank. Can this part be removed from the tank?



Problem

The boat has been running fine but after a while the engine starts to get starved of fuel. The primer bulb starts to collapse. This tells me that the fuel is clogging up somewhere and I am suspecting that there is junk in my tank that is clogging the fuel intake. I am not even sure if there is a filter or screen inside the tank but I thought that i would try and see if there was. I also plan on draining the tank and trying to clean it out. I have checked to make usre the air intake for the tank is clear.

Questions
Can the part in the picture come of or is it permanent. I tugged on it but it did not move and I did not to do any damage. I fugure that if there is a screen/filter it will be attached to the back side of this fitting

Any suggestions what to do with the old gas when I drain the tank? Will anyone recycle it like they do with old oil?


Thanks
Gazelle