Merc 115 EFI, 2002, fuel filter clean / change?

[MT Bob]

I have a Merc 2002, 115 EFI and want to check the fuel filter that is mounted on the engine block. This small gas filter is near the left hand rear side (port and aft) and has a plastic hexaganol unit, about 1.24" across, about 3" high, light tan that hangs from a black head that connects to a bracket on the block. I've tried unscrewing the lower plastic unit to get at the filter, but I'm afraid of putting to much force on it.

How do you open this filter? And, is there a filter cartridge in it? If so, can this cartridge be cleaned or is it a replacement-only filter?

Thanks in advance for any tips.