Maritime Trade Zones

[Fatboy]

I can see maritime trade zones on the AJE map that contain merchant fleets. However zones only get one brief mention in the manual.
I would be interested to know how these zone work & how players can disrupt/control these zones.

[RPHKUSA]

The zones produce a certain amount of income each turn; determined by how many trade fleets are stationed in them (best to protect them!). Control of them comes down to a naval battle essentially. (Someone please correct me if I'm wrong).

[Durk]

Think WIA naval zones. Steady EP/Supply $$ for faction. Containers for merchant fleets which can be attacked by naval raiders. Typically left alone. Mutually hostile factions can each have merchants in the same zone.

[Pocus]

Combat is done in a way that is more akin to 'attrition' than to a normal battle... So you won't sink entire fleets here (easily at least)