If 12v directly to the pump doesn't run it, I would also guess that it is the pump.

Btw. It’s a merc 350 mag mpg

We put the boat in and it was running perfect.  Cruising along it sputtered and died , and would not fire again.  Motor turns over ,  when key is turned  we do not hear the fuel pump pressure up. Pulled the connector apart and ran 12v to the pump directly and no noise. I am thinking the fuel pump is dead.  Last year the motor would struggle a little on a warm start. It always has fired right up on a cold start hearing the pump pressure up. Am I on the right track?  I pulled the pump and have one coming tomorrow. The silly marinas all want to sell me a $1500 pump and cool system kit rather than just a  $65 pump.

I use DVDs hanging from the ceiling by steel fidhing leaders on my dock to keep the birds away.

I have a couple of neighbors that keep large rubber snakes laying on their dock decks. No ducks on their dock.

Try using a laser pointer for starters, assuming you can see them out there at night.  Totally freaks them out!